Ferrari set to copy ‘extreme’ McLaren idea as they approach impossible 2026 car design task

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Ferrari are planning to take inspiration from McLaren’s soon-to-be championship-winning Formula 1 car for the 2026 season.

Formula 1 is introducing a new set of regulations in 2026, which means all 10 teams are now fully focused on their next year’s designs.

McLaren have established themselves as the team to beat over the past 18 months.

Andrea Stella’s team could win the constructors’ championship at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and the drivers’ title will be won by either Oscar Piastri or Lando Norris.

For Ferrari, the challenge is to be the best of the rest once again in 2025.

Ferrari’s engineers are unsure about their rear suspension update that was supposed to open up the gap between them and Mercedes and Red Bull.

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have opened up a narrow lead to Mercedes in the championship, but the 337-point advantage McLaren have secured with eight races to go is incredible.

With all the focus on 2026, Ferrari are now planning how they’re going to win their first championship in 18 years.

It looks like they’re going to take inspiration from one of McLaren’s more ingenious designs, while also tackling an ‘impossible’ task that every team faces.

READ MORE: Who is Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur? Everything you need to know

Ferrari following McLaren’s ‘extreme’ closed body F1 car solution ahead of the 2026 season

A report from Motorsport Italia has shared more details about Ferrari’s plans ahead of next season.

There are two key aspects that every team is tackling ahead of next season: a new set of aerodynamic rules and brand-new hybrid power units.

Ferrari are facing a revolving door of staff working on their engine, with Audi recently poaching two key personnel ahead of next year.

However, on the aerodynamics side of Ferrari’s development, it’s believed that the team are ‘following the philosophy that McLaren took to the extreme with the MCL39’ when it comes to thermal efficiency.

This is because they have a far more closed body compared to rivals Mercedes, which has made the car more efficient, something that Ferrari are desperate to emulate.

On top of this, every team is facing the ‘impossible’ task of trying to reach the minimum weight set by the FIA.

The minimum weight has been set at 768 kg, a reduction of 30 kg from this season, but the new power units are expected to weigh 150 kg, which is 30 kg more than the current engines.

To counteract this, Ferrari are planning to create ‘very tapered sidepods’ which have been facilitated by a reduction in the number of radiators.

This should improve aerodynamic efficiency and is being led by chief Diego Tondi, who Ferrari have had to deny is leaving the team after the recruitment of Franck Sanchez.

READ MORE: All you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

Ferrari to aid Cadillac ahead of their 2026 Formula 1 debuts

There is an added dimension to all the work being done behind the scenes ahead of next season.

For the first time since Haas joined F1 in 2016, a new team will be entering the paddock next year: Cadillac.

The American automotive and racing giants have high expectations for their journey into Formula 1, even if immediate success isn’t expected.

However, they’re trying to build up a team behind the scenes extremely quickly, and Alpine are said to be the most vulnerable to Cadillac poaching their staff right now.

On top of this, Ferrari look set to help Cadillac by allowing them to test one of their old cars to start working on their trackside processes and procedures.

Cadillac will use Ferrari power units, as well as other major components, until General Motors finish working on their engines.

It’s a very similar relationship to what they have with Haas, and puts even more pressure on Ferrari’s development this year, so as not to let down their customer teams.