Fred Vasseur has addressed the aerodynamic upgrades introduced by Ferrari during the Bahrain tests and the potential advantage they could bring for the 2026 season.
The second phase of pre-season testing in Bahrain saw several aerodynamic updates on the Ferrari SF-26, capturing the attention of journalists and rival teams alike. In particular, alongside the rotating wing that has sparked widespread discussion, the Italian team added multiple appendages to the rear of the car, especially around the diffuser. According to some observers, these changes could yield a lap-time advantage of several tenths.
Fred Vasseur explains the reasoning behind the updates
Fred Vasseur spoke on the topic in an interview with Roberto Chinchero on the eve of the Melbourne Grand Prix. “You need to explore the technical regulations, be aggressive, and push to the limit; only in this way can you be innovative. But what you must be careful about is that innovation isn’t only about the visible parts of the car. I’m pleased that two solutions have caught the attention of the press and the paddock, but in the past, we have introduced other innovations in areas that aren’t immediately visible. I’m talking about suspensions, cooling systems, the engine, and I believe this applies to all teams,” said the Ferrari Team Principal.
“As far as we are concerned, I like to see our engineers pushing the limits while always ensuring complete compliance with the regulations. We have maintained an open dialogue with the FIA from day one to discuss the updates introduced. No one can afford to waste wind tunnel hours or budget cap resources risking bringing non-compliant solutions to the track,” Fred Vasseur added.
With just a few days until the 2026 Formula 1 season ignites in Melbourne, Fred Vasseur’s transparent approach to Ferrari’s technical “gray areas” signals a team that is both confident in its engineering and strategically aligned with the FIA. By emphasizing that the SF-26’s most potent innovations might actually lie beneath the carbon fiber skin, the French manager has cleverly shifted the pressure back onto his rivals. In a technical era defined by strict budget caps and limited developmental resources, Ferrari’s proactive legal vetting of their aggressive aero package could be the decisive factor that allows Leclerc and Hamilton to fight for the title without the shadow of a mid-season disqualification.
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