Ferrari sporting director Diego Ioverno has outlined how development work on the SF-26 is progressing, while also shedding light on the internal dynamics at Maranello with a clear focus on Formula 1’s new 2026 regulation cycle. Here is what he had to say.
Over the course of this week and the next, Ferrari will run the SF-26 during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Diego Ioverno spoke about the major regulation changes introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season and how the Scuderia prepared for this particularly important year, especially after what was effectively a disastrous previous campaign.
2026 represents a delicate and potentially defining year for Ferrari. The Scuderia has not won a world championship since 2008, and this new regulatory overhaul could open the door to fresh opportunities. At the same time, there is understandable concern that Ferrari might once again fall short after several disappointing seasons, with 2025 standing as a clear example of those struggles. For now, however, the only option is to move forward and hope that this season finally delivers the success Ferrari fans have been waiting for.
Ioverno on the new Ferrari and the 2026 season
“We currently have a dual priority. We must learn from the car and understand what this regulation allows us to do, identifying opportunities while avoiding potential risks. The car is built on a foundation that is still evolving. The regulations themselves are not yet fully finalized, as there are still ongoing adjustments. So far, though, we have seen what we expected. There have not been any major surprises, even if we are still in a testing phase. For real judgments, we will have to wait for the first race.”
At this stage, the SF-26 appears to be meeting the expectations set by simulation data. Diego Ioverno also highlighted the different technical approaches adopted by rival teams and suggested that, much like in the previous regulation cycle, the field may eventually converge toward the most successful concept.
“It is right to appreciate everyone’s work. Then, as happened in 2022, teams will tend to converge toward the development direction introduced by the car that proves to be the most competitive. Right now there are very different concepts on track, and I am not only referring to aesthetics. Even the suspension geometries show significant differences, as do the approaches to turbo cooling. We have created a dedicated working group focused on the interaction between the driver, the power unit and power delivery. While the amount of recovered energy may be the same, how it is deployed depends on many factors, such as lap speed or the amount of fuel available. That is why we decided to introduce new roles, specialists with deep knowledge in understanding and managing these new engines.”
The Ferrari sporting director also addressed the internal situation within the Scuderia and the ongoing evolution of the team structure.
“We are still in an evolutionary phase, as we are defining what our structure, in terms of personnel, will look like between now and the end of the year. Continuity is certainly an added value in every area. However, sometimes changes are beneficial for everyone, as they allow both individuals and the group to adopt a different approach. What is certain is that we are all capable professionals, and we will know how to extract the best from the resources we have available.”
As Ferrari enters this new Formula 1 era under the 2026 regulations, the development of the SF-26 and the team’s internal adjustments will be critical factors in determining whether Maranello can finally return to championship-winning form.
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