Ferrari's technical director Loic Serra is orchestrating a fundamental shift in philosophy at Maranello following the Scuderia's calamitous 2025 campaign, which saw the Italian outfit fail to claim a single Grand Prix victory.
The team slumped to fourth position in the constructors' standings, a stark contrast to their near-miss against McLaren for the 2024 title.
Serra has reportedly proposed an entirely different mindset for the forthcoming season, prioritising efficiency over sheer engine output.
This calculated approach draws direct inspiration from McLaren's methodology, which propelled the Woking team to championship glory.
Lewis Hamilton will be hoping for better results at Ferrari next year
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The 2026 regulations represent the most substantial rule changes since the ground-effect era commenced in 2022, offering Ferrari a genuine opportunity to reset their competitive fortunes.
The new car is scheduled for unveiling on 23 January.
The Scuderia has undertaken a comprehensive redesign of its steering wheel, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc providing extensive input through simulator testing.
Under the 2026 framework, drivers must manage energy deployment on a sector-by-sector basis whilst manually activating low-drag modes at the start of each straight.
This increased workload prompted Ferrari to consolidate numerous functions into a more streamlined layout.
Controls governing energy recovery, deployment and electronic strategies have been grouped into three rotary switches beneath the central display.
The wheel itself is now smaller, featuring a reduced lower section compared to the previous design, which incorporated six rotary switches.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc both had input over the new design of the steering wheel
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Both drivers pushed for ergonomic improvements, ensuring frequently used controls remain intuitive during high-speed operation.
Ferrari considers the current design provisional, with further refinements anticipated during pre-season testing before the Australian Grand Prix.
Serra has directed engineers to concentrate on front suspension flexibility, a development intended to enhance tyre grip and vehicle stability.
The new suspension system has been cleared by the FIA as compliant, despite utilising controlled deformation when loads are applied from directions beyond those specified in the regulations.
Should this design advantage remain permissible, Ferrari could secure a meaningful edge when the 2026 season commences.
This approach mirrors the philosophy implemented by McLaren's Rob Marshall since early 2024, when he fundamentally altered the team's operational thinking.
Marshall's role centres on risk management at the Woking outfit, a strategy Serra is now attempting to replicate at Maranello.
Ferrari struggled considerably to extract maximum performance from Pirelli rubber throughout 2025, making tyre optimisation a pressing concern.
Ferrari, who had a miserable year, could see some vast changes to their performance in 2026
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Hamilton endured a particularly challenging first year with the Scuderia, finding the transition from twelve seasons at Mercedes exceptionally demanding.
The seven-time world champion experienced his first podium-less campaign in Formula One, despite working tirelessly behind the scenes to adapt to Ferrari's distinct procedures.
His suggestions for operational changes were not always welcomed by personnel accustomed to established methods.
Serra's relatively recent arrival at Maranello creates a natural alliance between the two men, both bringing fresh perspectives to an organisation steeped in tradition.
Whether this collaborative dynamic translates into improved results for Hamilton and Leclerc remains uncertain, with success dependent upon regulatory interpretation, technical progress and on-track execution throughout the 2026 campaign.
The Scuderia is betting on a bold strategy that could restore its position among Formula One's elite.