Ferrari’s 2026 aspirations: Project 678, championship aims, and ‘talking less’
The 2025 F1 season has been undoubtedly underwhelming for Scuderia Ferrari, with no wins, seven podiums, and a slim shot at P2 in the Constructors’ Championship to date.
With only three races left to go in the season and the championship already secured by McLaren, Ferrari’s next car is in development, titled ‘Project 678,’ writes Sports News Blitz’s F1 writer Ellie Man.
Project 678
According to Autoracer.it, the car will see the return of push-rod rear suspension that Ferrari has not used since 2010.
In any car, the suspension connects the wheels to the chassis, keeping good tyre contact with the road, absorbing bumps, and aiding in cornering.
With an F1 car constantly being pushed by downforce (while also navigating other forces and incidents on track), the suspension needs to be strong enough to withstand this pressure, so all four wheels of the race car are independently sprung by visible double wishbones.
The suspension rod is located between the two wishbones, connecting the wheel to the torsion spring.
Ferrari have been using a pull-rod configuration for the SF-25’s front and rear, where the rod is mounted low on the chassis and high on the wheel, so that the rod pulls the torsion spring up and out when going over a bump.
This choice sought to allow for better aerodynamics and handling as the race car has a lower centre of gravity and cleaner airflow beneath.
However, with the inconsistencies and lack of performance of the SF-25, the team is exploring new designs for the next season.
A push-rod composition means that the rod is mounted the opposite way to a pull-rod - high on the chassis and low on the wheel - and the rod is pushed towards the chassis when going over a bump.
The return of the push-rod rear suspension mimics the set-up of rivals, Red Bull and McLaren, who reverted to this configuration following regulation changes in 2022, and Mercedes and Aston Martin, who adopted the push-rod in 2024.
While less aerodynamic, the push-rod will be easier to design, set up, and adjust, as there is more space for mechanics to work and access components than with the tight pull-rod format.
Project 678, therefore, seeks to revise the car with a focus on reliability, improved balance, and greater pace.
It has been rumoured by Italian media that original plans for next season’s car included significant upheaval, with a new engine and full suspension redesign.
However, following the achievement of P3 by Leclerc and P4 by Hamilton in Texas at the United States GP and P2 by Leclerc at the Mexico City GP, sources suggest the final version will feature less drastic change.
It is essential that Ferrari get their car right next season, bringing themselves back into the competition and closing the gap to Red Bull and McLaren.
The SF-24 in 2024 saw five wins and 22 podiums (including two 1-2 finishes), but the SF-25 is a large step back from this success.
Championship aims
The pressure to provide a well-performing car is further exacerbated by rumours of driver frustration, with both drivers’ contracts set to expire in 2026.
Charles Leclerc has long since been lauded as a devotee to Ferrari: a graduate of the Ferrari Driver Academy, achieving two emotional wins in Monza, and fulfilling his father’s dying wish to have his son race for the historic team.
Yet, despite signing with Ferrari in 2019, the driver only has eight wins to his name.
Leclerc has repeatedly stated that his dream is to win a championship with Ferrari, bringing back the team’s glory and heritage - but despite his unquestionable loyalty and dedication, he has yet to yield success.
Is it now too late?
Rumours suggest that the driver is considering other options as a result of Ferrari failing to provide a competitive car that can consistently challenge for the championship.
With criticism made against the SF-25 this year, tensions at Ferrari are heightened, though aims of winning remain the same.
Continued issues with braking have forced the drivers to spend a lot of time lifting and coasting during the race in an attempt to lower the temperatures, largely reducing the pace of the car and making it tough to fight for wins - let alone a title.
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‘Talking less’
Chairman of Scuderia Ferrari HP, John Elkann, faulted Leclerc and Hamilton following the disappointing Brazil GP, stating that the pair “need to focus on driving and talk less.”
With praises sung to the engineers and mechanics, Elkann said, “If we look at the rest [of the team], it’s not up to standard” and urged greater focus for the final three races of the season.
Since Elkann took the role of chairman in 2018, Ferrari have seen many drivers come and go - including Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastian Vettel, and Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari last won the Constructors’ Championship in 2008, and the Drivers’ Championship in 2007, when Kimi Räikkönen edged out Lewis Hamilton by one point.
Though hopes for P2 in the Constructors’ Championship are still strong, these records suggest that criticisms against the drivers are unfair, with the team still struggling to deliver a truly competitive package across different driver lineups, which includes three different championship winners.
Consequently, Elkann’s comments have been the subject of intense backlash.
Karun Chandhok - former driver turned analyst - has responded on X (previously Twitter):
“In reality, if the Ferrari was as good as the McLaren this year then I truly believe that Charles and Lewis would have been title contenders, fighting for race wins. The root of Ferrari’s problem is that the car hasn’t been fast enough this year.”
Coming off the victory of the World Endurance Championship (WEC), Elkann further continued, “It is proof that when Ferrari is united as a team, we win” - yet notably failed to address that both F1 drivers were forced to retire from the Brazil GP following contact made by other cars.
Neither Leclerc nor Hamilton responded directly to the remarks, but made their own posts reflecting on the race on social media.
Leclerc’s caption stated:
“A very difficult weekend in São Paulo. Disappointing to come back home with nearly no points at all for the team in what is a critical moment to fight for the 2nd place in the Constructors’ Championship. It’s uphill from now and it’s clear that only unity can help us turn that situation around in the last 3 races. We’ll give it all, as always.”
Hamilton’s read: “I back my team. I back myself. I will not give up. Not now, not then, not ever. Thank you, Brazil, always.”
With tensions at Ferrari mounting higher, the question of the 2026 season is more uncertain than ever.
Project 678 will need to set a new benchmark, delivering results that restore faith and confidence in the team.
The dream of Ferrari returning to its former glory endures, and there is no lack of want across the Ferrari staff and dedicated Tifosi. But Leclerc and Hamilton must first be supported by a competitive and reliable car to stand a fighting chance.
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