Fred Vasseur has made big behind the scenes factory change to inspire Ferrari’s early 2026 potential

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Ferrari are now inspiring rival F1 teams to develop their 2026 cars in a similar style to the SF-26 as a result of Fred Vasseur changing the mood at their factory in Maranello.

Eyes up and down the paddock have often been glued to the SF-26 this term because of the radical ways that Ferrari interpreted the 2026 F1 aerodynamic and chassis regulations. Even the FIA is now said to be looking at changing the rules for 2027 to avoid a development war.

Ferrari first caught the attention of the F1 paddock during pre-season testing in Bahrain with their exhaust flap, known as the FTM, as well as their Macarena rear wing. It was thought at the time the Scuderia’s rivals would not be able to copy the FTM, having had to design their diffuser and gearbox in such a way that the plate on the exhaust exit did not break any rules.

But after seeing multiple F1 teams reveal their own interpretations of the FTM at the Miami Grand Prix, reports emerged that the FIA will explore banning exhaust wings from 2027. The FIA is looking into banning Ferrari’s Halo wings from next year, too, on the grounds of safety.

Should F1 teams also be given extra cost cap spending room in 2027? 🤔

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Ferrari are reaping the rewards from having a more relaxed atmosphere in Maranello

Ferrari have sought to explore any potential openings in the wording of the 2026 regulations to build Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton the best aerodynamic platform and chassis they can. It is also a testament to how Vasseur has developed the atmosphere at Ferrari’s factory.

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

According to Formula Passion, there is a ‘feeling’ that Ferrari have reaped the rewards from having a ‘more relaxed’ atmosphere behind the scenes in Maranello. Ferrari’s designers are also now being ‘encouraged’ to take more risks with an openness to them making mistakes.

Ferrari’s engine deficit compared to Mercedes has so far meant their aero and chassis work under their improved atmosphere has not paid off as much as it potentially could have. The Scuderia are yet to win a Grand Prix in 2026, but Leclerc and Hamilton both boast podiums.

Mercedes are often hailed for their ‘harmonious’ atmosphere leading to strong results

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Ferrari’s atmosphere has historically been the opposite of what Vasseur has strived to build in Maranello this year, especially the longer that their wait for another title continues. Ferrari last won the F1 drivers’ championship in 2007 and last lifted the constructors’ title in 2008.

Rob Smedley once stated that Maranello was “not a great place to be” when Ferrari struggle as the pressure from them not winning builds and weighs heavily on everyone in the factory. Vasseur has looked to change that in 2026, with Ferrari without a Grand Prix win since 2024.

Vasseur will hope that Ferrari’s new atmosphere pays off, as many attribute the harmonious atmosphere at Mercedes as a vital reason for their success. The Silver Arrows dominated F1 from 2014 to 2020, and they have returned to the summit so far in the 2026 season, as well.

“Without wanting to criticise anyone, the atmosphere and the human element at Mercedes, with people like Toto [Wolff], are more pleasant for a driver than they would be at Ferrari,” Hans-Joachim Stuck has told Eurosport.

“When the environment is so harmonious, it provides additional motivation, letting the driver know, ‘The whole team is behind me’. That feeling is always there, subconsciously.”