Ferrari is continuing the transformation of the SF-26 with a redesigned bargeboard aimed at improving aerodynamic efficiency and widening the car’s operating window. The changes form part of the third SF-26 upgrade package introduced at Zandvoort, with further developments also appearing around the diffuser and rear-wing support.
While the adoption of a high-downforce rear wing without the central support structure is simply an adaptation to the characteristics of Zandvoort, the same cannot be said for the area immediately ahead of the Ferrari’s floor. That section has undergone a much more substantial aerodynamic revision as Maranello continues to explore the potential of its 2026 car.
Ferrari SF-26 bargeboard redesigned to increase outwash
The technical group led by Diego Tondi has carried out extensive work on the SF-26’s micro-aerodynamics in an effort to improve the car’s behaviour. The bargeboard, which the FIA specifically introduced with the intention of directing front-wheel turbulence towards the chassis and keeping the wake behind the car as clean as possible to help cars follow more closely and therefore facilitate overtaking, has been comprehensively revised.
Ferrari’s objective is effectively to counter that intended flow behaviour by pushing aerodynamic losses further outwards. Doing so should clean up the airflow running along the sidepods and provide greater overall efficiency, representing another important area of development within Ferrari’s wider SF-26 technical programme.
The leading edge of the bargeboard consists of two vertical elements. On the revised version, the outermost profile no longer extends all the way down to the foot of the floor extension, which has now developed into a small step-like section. Instead, the outer element remains raised above it.
As a consequence, the trailing profile of the third vertical element has also been changed. It now features greater chord in its lower section specifically to increase the outwash effect. By contrast, the shutter-like arrangement made up of three long horizontal elements has not undergone any significant changes.
New bargeboard mounting position helps feed the SF-26 floor
Another notable modification concerns the bargeboard support stay. Its attachment point to the SF-26 chassis has been lowered by around 20 centimetres. The support itself has also been given an aerodynamic profile.
Previously, the stay also interfered with airflow being directed towards the cooling system. In its new position, however, it takes on a more useful aerodynamic role by helping to feed the floor.
It is therefore no coincidence that a new slot has also appeared in correspondence with the floor channel featuring the five vertical flow diverters. The various changes are closely connected as Ferrari looks to control the airflow approaching one of the most important aerodynamic areas of the car.
Loïc Serra sees further development potential in the SF-26
Loïc Serra is continuing with Ferrari’s development programme in the belief that the direction of research currently being pursued can enhance the underlying qualities of the SF-26 chassis. The car appears to have considerable room for further growth as Ferrari’s engineers develop a more efficient understanding of the new Formula 1 regulations.
The Zandvoort changes therefore represent more than a simple circuit-specific adjustment. Alongside the rear-wing configuration required for the Dutch track, Ferrari is continuing to refine the fundamental aerodynamic behaviour of the SF-26 as the team works through the demanding 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort.
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