Ferrari Sf26: the steel beast of Guido di Paola…

By Spyros Pettas

It may evolve quickly, first before the second preparatory test and later before the premiere of Melbourne, but Ferrari’s latest Formula 1 challenger seems to be the product of great collective work.

It is characterized by the charm of simplicity in its lines like those of the sidepods. The airscoop is extremely small thanks to the conditions of use (temperature and pressure) of its new power unit which erogates something in the vicinity of 1015 bhp in total, 540 bhp from the ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and 475 bhp from KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System). Kers is an electromotor. The side radiators and relative inlets are also very small, for the same reason.

Ferrari decided at the last minute to design a steel headed engine and the responsible for its design is the ingenious mind named Guido di Paola. Information has it that the same technician from Italy was also responsible for Ferrari’s trick engine back in 2019. His name coming up in this article is a worldwide exclusive revelation. Guido di Paola has been a maverick throughout his entire career. He has been a member of Ferrari since 1995, he became responsible of Ferrari's internal combustion engine in 2017 and has experience also in the road - Gt models department...

Regarding aerodynamics, front wing boasted during the launch a standard design that will change soon, while the rear wing will probably remain the same for the first Barcelona test in a few days. The nose is actually as high as it can get and it is sustained by two pillars that unite it with the all important for the whole aero balance, active, per new regulations, front wing.

Push rod suspensions: back to the future

Ferrari with its Sf26 returns to the classic push rod scheme for both the front and the rear suspension. Here, important is the input of the vehicle dynamics magician, the French technical director Loic Serra (with great past in Michelin and Mercedes) and the goal here is aerodynamic efficiency and an excellent tyre use. It is important to note that under the command of Fred Vasseur, the integration between the aero technicians and those of the engine, has reached unprecedent hights...