Max Verstappen halted McLaren’s momentum at last weeks Italian GP, claiming victory in a rejuvenated RB21 – which was fitted with a new floor.
Whilst impressive, the Dutchman’s triumph in Monza comes too late for McLaren to be threatened in either Championship. It is still the 2026 cars where teams are diverting their resources in an effort to climb the field.
The new regulations present a huge opportunity for a change in the pecking order, thanks to new aerodynamic and engine specifications.
Ferrari, who were forced to abandon their 2025 title hopes relatively early, are among those with everything to gain in 2026.
Whilst reports on 2026 developments are scarce, a few whispers are emerging about next year’s projects. Early information suggests that Ferrari are willing to take risks with their next challenger.
Ferrari reportedly working on ambitious solutions for 2026
There have already been important changes behind the scenes at Ferrari, with two key figures leaving the Maranello squad ahead of 2026.
Both departing personnel, Wolf Zimmermann and Lars Shmidt, were senior figures at the Scuderia’s engine department.
They are joining Mattia Binotto’s project at Audi, which is also taking shape ahead of their F1 debut next season. The German manufacturer has been active in strengthening their technical department with signings across the field.
For Ferrari, these losses are noteworthy – especially as the 2026 regulations get closer.
Of course, the Italian outfit have also been recruiting personnel, having signed engineers from Alpine and Mercedes over recent months.
In terms of development for next year, Fred Vasseur’s team are understood to be exploring radical solutions. Per Motorsport, the Ferrari engine is being designed to be as light and compact as possible.
The objective is for Ferrari’s power unit to give them more flexibility for their chassis design and aerodynamic concept.
For the time being, Ferrari are seen as being slightly behind Mercedes in terms of engine development. To be clear, the Scuderia are still, alongside Honda, the best-placed manufacturer to challenge the Mercedes engine.
With that said, the pursuit of an aggressive philosophy for 2026 could generate two very different outcomes. Certain sacrifices will be necessary to achieve their aims, which comes with hurdles to overcome.
Until proven otherwise, Mercedes are favourites to debut the strongest engine next year.
Unlike the Maranello team, there are no concerns about the German manufacturer’s engine development.
Ferrari are not panicked in the wake of losing some key personnel, but recent departures do add more question mark to the Scuderia’s progression.
Into the unknown
As ever, any analysis into 2026 development is accompanied with some level of uncertainty. In addition to the new aerodynamic and power unit requirements, there are other factors to consider.
Among these considerations is fuel, with new sustainable fuels being developed in compliance with the ’26 regulations.
Teams are working closely with their respective fuel suppliers (Ferrari with Shell, Mercedes with Petronas, Aston Martin with Aramco) to further optimise their engines.
Successfully developing these new hybrid engines (50/50 energy split) could make or break teams ahead of next year.
In this sense, Ferrari aim to capitalise on their position as an engine manufacturer – which grants them complete control over their development.
As touched upon already, the Scuderia are designing an aggressive engine design to facilitate an equally aggressive aerodynamic concept. Such risks might be necessary, in an era of F1 where teams compete on an increasingly level playing field.
However, this approach also invites the possibility for things to go dangerously wrong.
Ferrari know this better than most, which is why early reliability concerns will be given immense attention at Maranello.
Main photo: Ferrari media gallery
