Ferrari heads to the Austrian Grand Prix with another package of upgrades for the SF-26, following a clearly defined development strategy. After the major evolution introduced in Spain—the team’s second major update package after Miami—the car now receives a refinement aimed directly at improving performance, alongside three additional modifications that will primarily be used to gather data and improve the correlation between simulation tools and the car’s real-world behavior on track.
The technical documentation submitted to the FIA clearly outlines this two-pronged approach. On one hand, Ferrari aims to build on the benefits delivered by the new aerodynamic concept introduced in Spain. On the other, the team continues its development programme by evaluating several solutions under real racing conditions that could eventually become part of future upgrade packages for the SF-26.
Ferrari refines the front wing concept introduced in Spain
The only upgrade specifically designed to improve outright performance concerns the front wing endplate. Ferrari has revised the component by introducing a new diveplane along with a different arrangement of the wing elements located beneath the footplate. According to the FIA technical documentation, this represents a further evolution of the geometry first introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the objective of reinforcing the aerodynamic flow characteristics and maximizing the performance targets of the new front wing concept.
The overall philosophy of the component therefore remains unchanged, but the way the airflow is directed toward the floor has been further optimized. The work focuses on managing the turbulence generated by the front wheels while improving airflow feeding the underfloor, one of the most critical performance areas of any modern Formula 1 car. This is a classic example of modern F1 development: once a major design change has been introduced, engineers follow it up with smaller refinements designed to unlock its full potential.
Free practice becomes a testing ground for future developments
The remainder of Ferrari’s upgrade package has a more experimental purpose, as highlighted in the FIA documentation. The first modification concerns the so-called RV Tail, from which the central element has been removed. Ferrari itself explains that this component is intended exclusively for free practice and has not been developed specifically for the characteristics of the Red Bull Ring. Instead, it will be used to collect aerodynamic data and carry out correlation exercises.
In practical terms, Ferrari’s engineers will compare the behavior of the SF-26 with and without this element installed, allowing them to assess how closely the simulation tools match the car’s actual performance on the circuit.
The same objective also drives the changes made to the front section of the floor. The Scuderia’s aerodynamic department, led by Diego Tondi, has optimized the floor edge by introducing a configuration featuring a single vertical element. Once again, the FIA documentation explicitly states that these components are dedicated to free practice sessions, where they will help engineers better understand the aerodynamic behavior of the car under normal operating conditions while gathering valuable information for future development.
The floor edge remains one of the most sensitive aerodynamic areas of the entire car. This is where the vortices responsible for directing airflow beneath the floor are generated, helping maintain stable downforce. Even what appears to be a very small modification can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the underfloor package.
Mirror support also modified to improve aerodynamic correlation
The final update concerns the rear-view mirror support. Ferrari has shortened the vertical mounting and also revised the attachment point connecting it to the sidepod. Although this may appear to be a minor detail, mirror supports have evolved into genuine aerodynamic devices over recent seasons, capable of influencing the quality of the airflow directed toward the central section of the car.
This solution will also be used primarily for aerodynamic correlation work, enabling Ferrari’s engineers to gather further information about airflow behavior in one of the car’s most delicate aerodynamic regions.
Overall, the upgrade package Ferrari has brought to the Austrian Grand Prix confirms that development of the SF-26 has entered a refinement phase. The major aerodynamic evolution introduced in Barcelona has been taken another step forward with an updated front wing configuration, while the remaining changes demonstrate Ferrari’s determination to use every free practice session to gather valuable data and prepare the next stages of its development programme.
This strategy underlines that the engineers in Maranello are not focusing solely on immediate performance gains, but are also laying the technical foundations that will support the SF-26 throughout the second half of the Formula 1 season.
The new components will first be evaluated by Lewis Hamilton during the opening hour of running. Dino Beganovic is unlikely to use these experimental parts, as he will hand the car back to Charles Leclerc for the second practice session, when Ferrari’s number 16 will be fitted with the latest upgrades.
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