Ferrari’s Loïc Serra outlines the technical philosophy behind the SF‑26

F1 Grand Prix, GP Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos

Ferrari’s unveiling of the SF‑26 on Friday offered the first concrete look at the Scuderia’s approach to Formula One’s radically revised 2026 regulations.

Alongside the visual debut, performance director Loïc Serra provided insight into the engineering principles that shaped the new car, emphasising the scale of adaptation required and the collaborative effort behind the project.

Serra made clear that the regulatory reset demanded a fundamental rethink of Ferrari’s design processes. “Developing the SF‑26 required us to adapt to a completely new regulatory framework,” he said, highlighting the breadth of changes affecting aerodynamics, power‑unit behaviour and chassis architecture.

A significant portion of Ferrari’s preparation was devoted to the earliest stages of the project, where the team sought to understand the implications of the new ruleset.

“We dedicated significant time to the concept phase to capture as much as possible of the new regulatory and technical context,” Serra explained. This extended concept work reflects the importance of establishing a stable foundation before committing to detailed design decisions.

Flexibility has also been built into the SF‑26 from the outset, with Ferrari anticipating rapid development across the grid once the season begins. “We also had to ensure that the car’s architecture would allow us enough flexibility for in‑season development,” Serra noted, underlining the need for adaptable packaging and modular aerodynamic solutions.

The 2026 regulations place a premium on efficiency, particularly with the introduction of active aerodynamic systems designed to balance drag reduction with cornering performance. Serra acknowledged the central role of these innovations in Ferrari’s design thinking. “In this environment, efficiency and the integration of features like active aerodynamics are crucial,” he said.

Beyond the technical specifics, Serra emphasised the collective nature of the SF‑26’s creation. “The SF‑26 represents a major collaborative effort from the entire team at the factory, and we are looking forward to starting the season,” he concluded, framing the car as the product of coordinated work across Ferrari’s chassis, aerodynamics and power‑unit departments.