Ferrari Unveils the 2026 F80: A Formula 1-Inspired Supercar with 1184 Horsepower

Ferrari has once again raised the bar for supercar performance with the 2026 Ferrari F80, the latest in its lineage of limited-edition halo cars. This model, which follows in the footsteps of legendary predecessors like the 288 GTO and LaFerrari, represents Ferrari’s continued dedication to pushing the limits of street-legal performance. Limited to just 799 units, this F1-inspired beast boasts a staggering 1184 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Ferraris ever created. Expected to reach customers in the U.S. by early 2026, the F80 is already turning heads with its innovative design and cutting-edge technology.

The 2026 Ferrari F80: Formula 1 Performance on the Road

Power and Performance: A V-6 Like No Other

Unlike its predecessors, the F80 steps away from Ferrari’s traditional V-12 engines and instead opts for a more modern and Formula 1-inspired 3.0-liter V-6 engine. With an incredible 9200-rpm rev limit, this engine alone produces 888 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. But that’s only half the story. The F80 also includes three electric motors, two of which power the front axle to enable torque vectoring, while the third is sandwiched between the engine and the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. These motors add an extra 296 horsepower, bringing the total output to an astonishing 1184 hp.

One of the most impressive features of the F80 is its zero-lag electric turbochargers, ensuring that power delivery is immediate and exhilarating. But while the horsepower numbers are jaw-dropping, the F80’s real standout performance metric is its downforce.

Downforce Dominance: 2315 Pounds at 155 MPH

The F80’s aerodynamics are nothing short of remarkable. At 155 mph, the car generates a massive 2315 pounds of downforce, which is more than what some of the most aggressive track-focused cars, like the McLaren Senna and Dodge Viper ACR, can muster. How does Ferrari achieve such numbers with a car that looks so sleek and refined?

The answer lies in the F80’s active aerodynamics. The rear wing, for example, is capable of raising itself and angling into the slipstream by 11 degrees in high-downforce mode. But much of the magic happens beneath the car, where a meticulously crafted carbon-fiber floorpan and expansive rear diffuser work together to keep the F80 glued to the pavement.

Ferrari’s design team, led by chief design officer Flavio Manzoni, avoided conventional design cues, like the familiar “two eyes, one mouth” look of headlights and grilles. Instead, the F80 sports a futuristic, almost alien aesthetic, with a black mask across the hood that adds to its sci-fi-inspired allure.

Advanced Suspension for Ultimate Control

To handle both the extreme downforce and ensure a comfortable ride at lower speeds, Ferrari has equipped the F80 with Multimatic’s 48-volt active suspension system. This system adjusts dynamically, softening for smooth, everyday drives and stiffening up when dealing with the immense forces at high speeds. The suspension also helps optimize the car’s aerodynamic performance by maintaining the ideal ride height and orientation for different driving situations.

Interestingly, the driver has no manual control over the deployment of the rear wing; it’s all handled by the car’s software. Once the car reaches 37 mph, the wing will automatically deploy as needed. This ensures that whether you’re cruising on a scenic drive or pushing the car to its electronically limited top speed of 217 mph, the F80 is always at peak aerodynamic efficiency.

Interior Design: Two Seats, Slightly Offset

Inside, the F80 is designed with a unique asymmetry, making it clear who’s in charge behind the wheel. The driver’s seat is slightly forward of the passenger seat, emphasizing the driver-centric nature of the car. While the F80 is a two-seater, this subtle design feature serves as a nod to Ferrari’s race-car heritage, where the focus is squarely on performance and driving experience.

The passenger seat, positioned slightly rearward, is mounted directly to the carbon tub, offering minimal padding to keep the weight down. Despite the car’s compact cockpit, a six-foot-tall passenger can fit, though the space is notably snug. Meanwhile, the driver’s seat offers a bit more room, accommodating taller individuals, but likely not those looking to wear a helmet.

Unique Wheel Design and Boost Optimization

Ferrari’s attention to detail extends even to the wheel design. Unlike many high-performance cars, the F80 does not feature center-lock wheels. Instead, it sports five-spoke carbon-fiber wheels, which are both lightweight and strong enough to handle the intense forces generated by the car. The decision to go with five-lug hubs was based on performance, as center-lock wheels wouldn’t have offered any significant advantage for this particular car.

For track enthusiasts, the F80 features a Boost Optimization mode, which maximizes electrical assist during key moments on the track. The system uses a small, 2.3-kWh high-voltage battery that can deploy maximum power during qualifying laps, helping drivers achieve the fastest times possible.

Future-Proofing with Ferrari Forever

Ferrari understands that technology evolves, and to ensure that F80 owners won’t face issues down the road, the company has introduced the Ferrari Forever program. This initiative guarantees that high-voltage replacement batteries will be available for future generations, similar to how Ferrari now offers replacement batteries for older models like the LaFerrari. So even as the years pass, F80 owners can rest assured that their cars will remain at the cutting edge of performance technology.

Conclusion: The 2026 Ferrari F80—A Supercar for the Ages

With its combination of Formula 1-inspired technology, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and jaw-dropping performance, the 2026 Ferrari F80 is more than just a car—it’s a statement. Limited to only 799 units, each priced around $3.1 million, the F80 represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s engineering prowess. Whether you’re captivated by its futuristic design or awed by its incredible power, the F80 is a supercar that pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible on the road.

For those lucky enough to get their hands on one, the F80 promises an experience like no other—Ferrari forever, indeed.