Ferrari solves 2025 issues by studying McLaren suspension
The presentation of the SF-26 reveals a very interesting detail regarding Ferrari’s suspension approach for 2026. The choices made in 2025 for the SF-25 suspension design forced the Maranello engineers to look for a solution that ultimately did not deliver. The long-awaited package at Spa failed to bring the desired results, leaving Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to contend with a car full of issues. For this reason, Loïc Serra focused heavily on this component for the SF-26, aiming to give it a leading role in the upcoming season.
What has changed compared to 2025?
In recent days, after analyzing the new Haas, we had already speculated on what Ferrari’s choices might be. These choices were then confirmed by the first images published by the Scuderia during the morning that officially opened the fourth season of the Fred Vasseur era.
The new SF-26 indeed features a push-rod suspension layout both at the front and rear, adopting a solution similar to what McLaren used last year. Additionally, the virtual steering axis dynamically adjusts suspension geometry based on steering angle and vertical travel, optimizing tire management.
The upper wishbone mounting points on the chassis are positioned at different heights to increase the front suspension’s anti-dive. This limits vehicle pitch under braking and contributes to greater aerodynamic platform stability. Meanwhile, the lower wishbone has been positioned higher than in the past, allowing engineers to better manage the airflow generated by the front wheels and to clean the flow directed toward the floor.
Through these changes, Ferrari aims to achieve a car that is superior both dynamically and aerodynamically, addressing some of the key issues encountered during the 2025 season.
Leave a Reply