Gary Anderson Breaks Down Ferrari's 'Basic' 2026 Launch Car

Ferrari has unveiled its 2026 "Spec A" car, a basic version focused on reliability and data rather than final race performance. Gary Anderson notes the design is neat but conservative, lacking the extreme innovations seen in competitors like Mercedes.

Why it matters:

With Lewis Hamilton joining and new regulations taking effect, Ferrari's technical direction is under scrutiny. While the car offers a clean foundation, its conservative approach suggests the team may be playing catch-up to rivals with more aggressive aerodynamic concepts.

The details:

• Airbox Design: Ferrari uses a simple rollover bar inlet, unlike Mercedes' multipurpose solution. This necessitates larger radiator sidepod inlets, which could impact aerodynamic efficiency.
• Nose Geometry: The nose's side undercut is less aggressive than Mercedes'. This detail is crucial for underfloor airflow, and Ferrari's current setup may limit downforce potential.
• Suspension Setup: Ferrari employs a pushrod front suspension with increased anti-dive characteristics. The rear suspension also features anti-lift traits to handle the specific braking loads of the 2026 power units.
• Aerodynamics: The bargeboard area manages tyre squirt by directing flow around the outside of the tyre, a distinct choice from other teams attempting to pull flow inside.

Looking ahead:

While the "Spec A" car doesn't shock the grid, it provides a tidy starting point. Ferrari's championship hopes will rely on the speed and effectiveness of their development program to evolve this basic package into a winner.