Ferrari is preparing for the Belgian Grand Prix with a bold new aerodynamic approach. Fully aware that Spa-Francorchamps’ long straights traditionally favour Mercedes, Loïc Serra’s technical team has developed a configuration designed to unlock the SF-26’s potential while freeing up additional horsepower from the 067/6 power unit.
Ferrari heads to Spa-Francorchamps encouraged by two victories in the last three races, a clear sign that the SF-26 has become a genuine frontrunner. The disappointing Austrian Grand Prix is now viewed as little more than an anomaly—if anything, the Red Bull Ring weekend helped confirm the development direction that the team should follow.
The guiding principle is now crystal clear: reduce aerodynamic drag. On paper, the fast and flowing circuit through the Ardennes forests has never looked like an ideal venue for Ferrari. Yet the same was said before Silverstone, where senior figures within the Maranello team were already prepared to concede that Mercedes could enjoy an advantage of around half a second.
Rather than changing philosophy, Ferrari intends to continue taking calculated risks. The team has embraced a more aggressive mindset in recent races, and the SF-26 is expected to take another significant step forward in Belgium with a noticeably different configuration compared to the car that carried Charles Leclerc to victory at Silverstone.
Ferrari ready to abandon the blown exhaust system
For the first time this season, Ferrari is expected to dispense with its STM system. On Spa’s long straights, the Scuderia plans to run the single exhaust without the Flick Tail Mode configuration.
There was already a hint of this direction during the Styrian Free Practice 1 session, when Ferrari junior Dino Beganovic drove Charles Leclerc’s car. Among several aerodynamic experiments carried out that weekend, the young Swede completed a run without the blown exhaust system, effectively previewing a configuration that had already been earmarked for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Technical director Loïc Serra is targeting the recovery of approximately seven horsepower currently lost because of the exhaust restriction imposed by the STM system. The French engineer believes Ferrari can afford to sacrifice the additional rear downforce generated by the system in exchange for higher straight-line speed.
The move also aligns with Formula 1’s future regulations. In the first draft of the 2027 technical rules, the FIA officially confirmed that any form of blown exhaust aerodynamic solution will be prohibited. Ferrari’s aerodynamic department is therefore already working on alternative concepts capable of restoring rear downforce without relying on exhaust-blown airflow.
Macarena Evo rear wing also expected at Spa
Ferrari is also expected to introduce the latest evolution of its reversible rear wing, internally known as the Macarena Evo.
While Red Bull’s interpretation has come under scrutiny from the FIA following two separate failures of its movable wing elements—incidents that contributed to Max Verstappen’s accidents during Austrian Grand Prix qualifying at Turn 9 and on lap 47 of the British Grand Prix at Stowe—Ferrari remains unconcerned. The Scuderia is currently the only team believed to have developed a fully reliable version of the concept.
Red Bull’s RB22 has suffered two different types of failures, while McLaren‘s own interpretation has yet to achieve the efficiency targets originally sought by Rob Marshall’s engineering group.
At Maranello, engineers are expected to introduce the latest specification, designed to create an opening between the reversible flaps and the main wing profile. According to the available data, the updated solution could be worth as much as 11 km/h in top speed at the end of Spa’s longest straights.
Weather remains the biggest unknown
Ferrari’s low-drag package could also include one of the lighter floor specifications already tested earlier this season, provided the forecast remains dry. However, the Belgian Grand Prix has long been synonymous with unpredictable weather, and rain remains a genuine possibility according to the latest forecasts.
If wet conditions become likely, Ferrari retains the flexibility to revise its aerodynamic package and reintroduce some of the higher-downforce components depending on the expected track conditions.
Simulator work continues despite speculation
Contrary to some recent reports, Ferrari has not reduced its simulator programme. Quite the opposite. Whether or not Lewis Hamilton participates—having long been known for preferring on-track running to simulator sessions—the development work has continued uninterrupted thanks to Charles Leclerc and the team’s experienced simulator drivers.
Energy management remains one of the key areas under evaluation. Spa-Francorchamps does not create the same battery recharging challenges seen at Silverstone, but it still ranks among the more demanding circuits on the calendar when it comes to deploying electrical energy efficiently over a lap.
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