During the 2026-focused tests in Abu Dhabi, a detail emerged from Ferrari compared to its rivals that appears to be encouraging for the upcoming season.
In the past week, post-season tests took place in Abu Dhabi, where teams began to familiarise themselves with the 2026 tyre compounds and, in the case of some teams such as Ferrari, to experiment with specific technical solutions. These test sessions were extremely important for all teams, but especially for Pirelli, which is tasked with developing a completely new tyre without being able to test it on the next generation of cars, which will be radically different from the current ones.
Among the many new elements that have captured attention, the introduction of active aerodynamics is the one that has generated the most curiosity and concern. From 2026, front wings will also open in areas defined by the FIA and will be activated on every single lap. This represents a major challenge for engineers, who are required to design a complex system such as active aerodynamics, whose effectiveness will be a decisive factor in determining overall car performance.
Over recent months, several critical issues have been highlighted by the teams, including the complexity of the hydraulic system, which in the event of an accident could cause problems for the circuit due to potential oil leaks. Despite these concerns, development appears to be progressing smoothly, and some teams have already begun to sample certain 2026 innovations by using modified versions of the current cars.
This is the case for Ferrari and Mercedes, both of which brought modified front-wing prototypes to the Abu Dhabi tests, equipped with hydraulic systems capable of lowering the front flaps.
Ferrari and Mercedes, the first to test active aerodynamics
Ferrari and Mercedes made this choice in order to gain an initial understanding of active aerodynamics and, above all, to give Pirelli the opportunity to test the tyres under different vertical load conditions.
The system run by Ferrari appeared to be extremely well integrated, featuring a front wing that was almost identical to the standard version, with hydraulic actuators that were carefully hidden and thoroughly engineered within the structure.
By contrast, Mercedes’ solution attracted significant attention. On the British team’s front wing, a distinctive hydraulic system was clearly visible. The entire setup did not appear to be integrated into the nose of the car, as the hydraulic pipes were clearly exposed and positioned in a rather rudimentary manner.
This difference could suggest that Ferrari’s work on active aerodynamics is at a more advanced stage than that of its rivals, although this is not necessarily the case. Ferrari has been working on this system for several months, while Mercedes seems to have adopted a more straightforward approach, which may not be directly linked to the work currently being carried out at its factory.
Ferrari’s solution nonetheless offers reasons for optimism, and the Maranello team’s approach appears promising. However, it remains impossible to make any concrete predictions before the official on-track tests take place.
Source: f1ingenerale
Leave a Reply