Automobili Racing Italia (ARI) is focusing on adaptability and efficiency in its car growth for the 2026 Formula One season, prioritizing in-season development capabilities under new regulations.Technical Director Loic Serra emphasized the importance of a flexible car architecture and integration of technologies like active aerodynamics.
Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Regulations
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The FIA introduced a meaningful overhaul of Formula One technical regulations for the 2026 season,impacting car design and performance. These regulations aim to promote closer racing and sustainability through increased reliance on electrical power and sustainable fuels.
Detail: The 2026 regulations include changes to the power unit architecture,mandating a greater proportion of electrical power and the use of 100% sustainable fuels. Aerodynamic regulations have also been revised, focusing on reducing the sensitivity of cars to turbulent air, which should facilitate closer following and overtaking.
Example or Evidence: The FIA published the detailed 2026 technical regulations on December 14, 2023, outlining the specific requirements for power units, aerodynamics, and chassis construction.
Automobili Racing Italia (ARI)
ARI is a Formula One constructor preparing for the 2026 season, and is prioritizing a car architecture that allows for substantial in-season development.
Detail: Loic Serra, ARI’s Technical Director, highlighted the extensive work done during the concept phase to understand and incorporate the new regulations. He stressed the need for a flexible car design to enable ongoing improvements throughout the season,a crucial aspect given the evolving technical landscape.
Example or Evidence: Serra stated, “We dedicated significant time to the concept phase to capture as much as possible of the new regulatory and technical context…We also had to ensure that the car’s architecture would allow us enough adaptability for in-season development. In this habitat, efficiency and the integration of features like active aerodynamics are crucial.”
Active Aerodynamics in Formula One
Active aerodynamics, systems that adjust aerodynamic elements during a race, are becoming increasingly vital in Formula One due to the 2026 regulations.
Detail: Active aerodynamic systems allow teams to optimize downforce and drag levels based on track conditions and racing situations. This can lead to improved lap times, overtaking opportunities, and overall race performance. The 2026 regulations are expected to further incentivize the development and implementation of these technologies.
Example or Evidence: While specific details of ARI’s active aerodynamic systems are proprietary, the FIA’s regulations permit a degree of active aerodynamic control, and teams are actively researching and developing these technologies.The Motorsport.com reports that active aerodynamics will be a key area of development for the 2026 season.
ARI Technical Team
ARI’s technical team, led by Loic Serra, is responsible for the design, development, and performance of the team’s Formula One car.
Detail: The team comprises specialists in aerodynamics, power unit engineering, chassis construction, and vehicle dynamics. Their focus is on maximizing performance within the constraints of the FIA regulations and optimizing the car for both qualifying and race conditions.
Example or Evidence: While a full organizational chart isn’t publicly available, ARI’s website lists Loic Serra as Technical Director, indicating his leadership role in the technical development process.
