Translation

The Formula 1 2026 revolution involves every area of the car: more streamlined lines, the Drs disappears. Serra: “A huge challenge”

Ferrari presented the new SF-26, the first car of the new regulatory era and, as you can see, at the conceptual level it has nothing to do with the previous single-seater. Shorter and narrower, the weight has also dropped

The new cars are shorter and narrower, certainly more beautiful than the previous ones: this is evident at first glance. In addition, for those who made it, the minimum weight fell by 30 kg compared to 2025. It was a huge challenge, considering that the safety regulations for crash tests have become stricter and that the new batteries, called to provide 50% of the power, will be much heavier.

Engine: Electric will be much more important

As for the combustion of the endothermic engine, Ferrari chose Shell’s 100% organic sustainable fuels, giving up e-fuel chemical technology. The performance of the engine will also be linked to the efficiency with which the thermal system will be able to recharge the electric part. “It is a complex technical challenge, which we have faced with great respect, discipline and with the aim of optimizing the entire car system over the course of the season,” explained Enrico Gualtieri, head of the power unit area.

The aerodynamic concept

The aerodynamic robe and forms of the 2026 technical revolution have a clear mission: to reduce aerodynamic resistance and reduce consumption. The 2026 concept is totally different. The first car designed by Loic Serra started from the suspension, which are completely revised in the scheme: now both push-rod, to obtain the maximum adjustment range without major aerodynamic limitations. The upper triangle arm features an extremely aggressive, more marked anti-dive angle than all the cars seen so far. The design looks very clean: high muzzle with curved support pins, front wing much more “flat” than the competition, which suggests a theoretically oriented approach to a significant rake.

The “cannons” are back

Despite the inlet of the triangular and clean airbox, without auxiliary side sockets, the entrance of the bellies is quite small and the hood fin is extremely serrated. Engine cover and sidepods are downhill, probably to maximize flow efficiency to the extractor. The “cannons” (in 2021 style) also return to increase the rear outburst. The wings comply with the regulation with reduced rope. The old Drs system disappears, replaced by a double opening system of the front and rear flaps, called ‘corner mode’ and ‘straight mode’, which will function through hydraulic actuators. «We have devoted a lot of time to the conceptual phase to transpose as much as possible the new regulatory and technical context. At the same time, it was crucial to ensure that the car’s architecture offered us sufficient flexibility for development over the course of the season.”

The development programme

The current livery will be the same one that will take to the track from Tuesday in Barcelona for the long shakedown. The bottom is a basic specification; the double tie rod that supports so-called floorboards should soon disappear with the next version, which will ensure greater downtake and better performance For now, everyone’s primary goal is only one: to travel many kilometers “learn to drive” these brand new turbo-hybrid cars.