Shortly after the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, the championship calendar was disrupted by the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix due to the conflict in the Middle East, leaving the entire month of April without racing action. This unexpected break provided teams with a valuable opportunity to focus on development work back at their factories, analyzing data gathered during the opening races and pushing forward with upgrades in preparation for the return to the track this weekend in Miami.
Among the teams that made the most of this extended pause is Ferrari. The Maranello-based outfit completed an intensive testing programme with the aim of turning a promising start into a more consistent and competitive campaign. Since early April, the Scuderia has carried out a TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) session at Mugello using the 2025 car, with reserve drivers behind the wheel. This was followed by additional running at Fiorano, where Lewis Hamilton took part in Pirelli tyre tests focused on the development of the 2027 compounds.
That was not all. Ferrari subsequently returned to the track at Monza for a filming day with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, running the updated SF-26 “Evo” equipped with the components scheduled to debut during the Miami Grand Prix weekend.
Aerodynamics and mechanics revised
During the 200 kilometers completed at Monza — roughly equivalent to around forty laps of the circuit — engineers gathered crucial data on the upgrades that have been in development for some time. Among the most notable changes is the so-called “Macarena” rear wing, which has been revised in terms of activation timing. In addition, Ferrari introduced a new flow diverter at the base of the Halo, a redesigned floor, a modified front suspension wishbone attachment, and an updated front wing.
There are also several lightweight components, although their specifications remain unchanged. Altogether, these updates are intended to address some of the car’s weaknesses and help Ferrari close the gap to Mercedes.
Beyond the aerodynamic and mechanical changes, Ferrari has also been able to test its power unit configured according to the latest technical directives introduced by the FIA in recent weeks. These adjustments are aimed at making the racing spectacle more aligned with the DNA of Formula 1, reducing the dominance of energy management.
Engineers have also implemented updates to the software of the Ferrari power unit, focusing on maximizing torque delivery at peak power rather than at lower engine speeds, even if this comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
New power unit?
Staying on the topic of the power unit, according to information gathered from sources close to the Scuderia, Ferrari’s technical department may have decided — in addition to the upgrade package already mentioned — to introduce the second power unit of the season during the Miami weekend. However, confirmation will only come after the first Free Practice session.
This move would likely be aimed at allowing both drivers to fully exploit the potential of the SF-26 “Evo” with a fresh unit delivering maximum performance, while also optimizing the rotation strategy of power units throughout the season.
Such an approach would enable Ferrari to push both the first and second power units to their limits — before eventually relegating them to Friday-only usage — ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. That event is expected to mark the debut of a new specification, which could benefit from further evolution linked to the ADUO system that the FIA is expected to grant Ferrari after the Miami round.
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