Photo: Race Pictures

'Ferrari to undergo major philosophy change for 2026 challenger'

11:32, 04 Nov

Updated: 12:48, 04 Nov

byTobia Elia

Fresh reports from Italy indicate Ferrari is gearing up for a major rethink in its 2026 car philosophy.

With plenty of time still to go before next season kicks off — and the fight for P2 in the Constructors’ standings still wide open — Ferrari, like the rest of the grid, already has most of its focus firmly set on 2026.

That’s the year the Maranello squad will be expected to bounce back after what has so far been a disappointing campaign, especially given the high expectations.

One of the key issues that has plagued this year’s SF-25 is its rear suspension. In most cases, it’s prevented the engineers from running the floor at the intended ride height, forcing them to sacrifice downforce — and therefore performance — in order to avoid further disqualifications like the one in China.

Lewis Hamilton in Mexico Photo: Race Pictures.

Throughout the season, Ferrari introduced several significant updates to that area, which initially failed to deliver the expected gains. However, in the most recent races, the SF-25 has finally allowed both drivers to consistently fight for podium positions.

This year, Ferrari's engineers opted for a double pull-rod setup, both front and rear. However, according to Autoracer, that approach is set to change for 2026, with the team expected to switch to a push-rod system at the rear.

It would be the first time Ferrari has run a rear push-rod suspension since the F10 — the car that nearly carried Fernando Alonso to the 2010 title, before he was denied by Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton issues veiled F1 2026 warning to rivals after pivotal surge

One of the drivers under the microscope for 2026 is undoubtedly Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion comes off a season in which he has yet to make it onto the podium, and his results compared to his teammate highlight a campaign that has so far fallen short of his legendary status.

However, in the closing rounds, the Brit has lifted his performance, showing much sharper pace in both qualifying and races.

Hamilton himself said that he has “been feeling much better in the car and I feel like each weekend it's getting better,” adding that he views 2025 as a foundation-building year ahead of the next season.

GPblog's latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.