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Ferrari assessments radical rotating rear wing on Lewis Hamilton’s SF-26 however delays race debut
Ferrari grabbed consideration throughout the second week of 2026 System 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain after introducing an aggressive new rear wing idea on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari SF-26. Nonetheless, regardless of the innovation turning heads throughout the paddock, the Scuderia shouldn’t be anticipated to race the answer within the early rounds of the 2026 F1 season.
Lewis Hamilton accomplished solely a handful of laps on the Bahrain Worldwide Circuit on Thursday morning, however that was sufficient to ignite dialogue. As quickly as Lewis Hamilton activated the brand new straight-line configuration launched underneath the sweeping 2026 System 1 rules, the bizarre motion of the Ferrari rear wing grew to become instantly seen. With the Drag Discount System (DRS) formally faraway from the rulebook, System 1’s new “overtake mode” depends on lively aerodynamic parts, together with adjustable rear and entrance wings. The up to date rules additionally present groups with higher freedom in how they design and set off these methods.
A daring aerodynamic idea targeted on effectivity
Whereas a number of groups tailored their earlier DRS ideas to adjust to the brand new technical framework, and others like Audi and Alpine explored different hinge placements, Ferrari pursued a extra excessive course. The Italian workforce developed a rotating higher rear wing flap able to flipping 180 levels in straight-line mode. The goal of this resolution shouldn’t be solely to scale back aerodynamic drag but in addition to attenuate electrical power deployment on lengthy straights — an important issue underneath the brand new 2026 hybrid energy unit rules.
Knowledge gathered throughout the Bahrain F1 check instructed that the rotating rear wing delivered a measurable benefit. GPS figures indicated that Lewis Hamilton gained roughly 10 km/h in prime pace on the straights when the system was activated. Such positive aspects may show important on power-sensitive circuits, notably in qualifying trim or throughout overtaking phases in races the place power administration performs a decisive function.
Regardless of the promising early indicators, studies from the paddock recommend Ferrari plans to postpone the aggressive debut of the rotating rear wing till later within the 2026 System 1 season. Staff principal Frédéric Vasseur is known to have internally nicknamed the design the “Macarena,” reflecting the dramatic movement of the higher flap when engaged. For now, Ferrari is predicted to depend on a extra standard movable rear wing format — much like the configuration used throughout the Barcelona shakedown and the vast majority of Bahrain testing.
No legality considerations from the FIA
The choice to delay the introduction of the rotating rear wing shouldn’t be linked to regulatory doubts. FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis clarified throughout the Bahrain check that the governing physique had reviewed the Ferrari idea and located no instant compliance points. He indicated that the FIA has actively inspired groups to discover drag-reduction options inside the framework of the 2026 rules. In line with Nikolas Tombazis, earlier limitations on rear wing opening had been deliberately relaxed with a view to enable higher design freedom, and the Ferrari interpretation was thought of acceptable underneath the present guidelines.
Ferrari’s cautious strategy as an alternative seems to be strategic. Introducing such an modern aerodynamic element requires full confidence in reliability, steadiness, and integration with the automotive’s total aero platform. Each Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc accomplished the vast majority of their pre-season mileage utilizing the extra conventional rear wing specification, permitting the workforce to determine a steady efficiency baseline earlier than committing to the extra aggressive bundle.
It’s potential that Ferrari will revisit the rotating rear wing at high-speed venues later within the calendar, corresponding to Monza, the place diminished drag and improved straight-line effectivity may ship a higher aggressive payoff. Circuits with lengthy full-throttle sections and restricted high-downforce necessities would naturally maximize the advantages of the idea.
For now, the Italian aspect’s modern rear wing stays probably the most intriguing technical developments of the 2026 System 1 regulation cycle. Whereas Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc proceed preparations for the season opener in Melbourne, the Scuderia seems targeted on consolidating efficiency and reliability earlier than unleashing what may turn into a decisive aerodynamic weapon later within the championship struggle.
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