F1 | Ferrari’s rotating wing could mean “starting last and leading by Turn 1”. Will Buxton praises Ferrari’s revolutionary 180-degree rotating rear wing after F1 pre-season testing.

F1 | Ferrari, the wing advantage will allow them to “start last and already be leading by Turn 1”

Will Buxton has heaped praise on Ferrari’s “rotating” rear wing and even made a bold prediction about the Scuderia’s potential impact on the 2026 Formula 1 season.

“Is everyone jealous of Ferrari?” That is the title of the latest episode of Up To Speed, the podcast in which Will Buxton joined David Coulthard to discuss the newest innovation coming out of Maranello: a truly revolutionary rear wing concept.

Pre-season testing in Bahrain put the spotlight firmly on the Ferrari, which appeared in excellent shape, with Charles Leclerc setting the fastest lap overall. However, beyond outright pace, attention quickly shifted to a striking technical innovation. Fred Vasseur’s team arrived at the circuit with a rear wing that does not simply open or lift, but rotates through a full 180 degrees.

It is worth noting that from this year the new technical regulations grant teams greater aerodynamic freedom, allowing both the front and rear wings to be activated on the straights. The objective is clear: increase top speed by significantly reducing aerodynamic drag.

“Ferrari world champions of testing”

Buxton began his appearance on Up To Speed by addressing Ferrari and their ingenious aerodynamic solution, which has sparked intense debate throughout the F1 paddock. At the same time, the well-known British commentator sought to temper expectations: “They are the Formula 1 world champions of testing, which, as we know, means absolutely nothing.”

The discussion then turned fully to the revolutionary wing. Will Buxton explained in detail how the Maranello-designed aerodynamic package functions: “This wing that rotates 180 degrees essentially turns into an airplane wing and generates lift. That tiny flap at the bottom helps keep the tyres planted on the ground, so the rear ones don’t get lifted. It’s incredibly clever. It means Ferrari is lightning-fast on the straights,” he stated.

The journalist then highlighted Lewis Hamilton’s start during one of the Bahrain test days. Lining up on the tenth row in a practice simulation, the seven-time world champion was already leading by the first corner. “As things stand right now, Ferrari this year could qualify on the last row and still find themselves leading the race by Turn 1.”

It is, of course, an audacious prediction — but one that fuels optimism among Ferrari fans ahead of the new Formula 1 season and the regulatory reset that could redefine the competitive order.

The buzz surrounding Ferrari’s rotating wing suggests that the Scuderia has found a significant loophole in the 2026 regulations, potentially giving them a straight-line speed advantage that could redefine race starts. While Will Buxton’s prediction of going from last to first by Turn 1 might be hyperbolic, it highlights the sheer level of innovation Maranello has brought to the table. As the field settles into the new era of active aerodynamics, all eyes will be on whether this “airplane wing” philosophy can translate testing dominance into a genuine title challenge.