Ferrari set for major SF-26 setup change at Spa as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc receive low-drag boost
Ferrari is preparing one of its most significant technical changes of the 2026 Formula 1 season ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, with the team expected to temporarily abandon one of the SF-26’s most innovative aerodynamic solutions. The decision is aimed at maximizing straight-line speed and giving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc the best possible chance of challenging Mercedes and Red Bull at the high-speed Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Although Ferrari arrives in Belgium with renewed confidence following Charles Leclerc’s victory at Silverstone, engineers in Maranello are fully aware that Spa presents a completely different technical challenge. The iconic Belgian venue has traditionally rewarded efficient low-drag cars, and Ferrari believes its current aerodynamic configuration could become a disadvantage over one of the fastest laps on the Formula 1 calendar.
Ferrari ready to drop its signature exhaust solution for the first time
According to the Italian edition of Motorsport.com, Ferrari technical director Loic Serra has approved a plan to remove the team’s innovative Flick Tail Mode (FTM) exhaust flap for the first time this season.
The concept, introduced by Ferrari during pre-season testing in Bahrain, quickly became one of the most talked-about aerodynamic innovations of the new Formula 1 regulations. By directing hot exhaust gases toward the lower section of the rear wing, the system increases rear downforce and significantly improves stability through medium- and high-speed corners.
The design proved so effective that several rival teams eventually introduced similar concepts, while the FIA has already decided to outlaw this type of exhaust winglet from the 2027 Formula 1 regulations as part of its effort to simplify rear-end aerodynamics.
Despite its undeniable advantages, Ferrari believes the system is not ideally suited to every circuit on the calendar, with Spa-Francorchamps emerging as perhaps its biggest challenge.
Seven horsepower could make the difference at Spa-Francorchamps
One of the main drawbacks of Ferrari’s FTM concept is the small but significant power loss it creates.
By partially closing the lower section of the exhaust outlet to generate additional aerodynamic load, the system is estimated to cost the Ferrari power unit around seven horsepower. While that compromise is worthwhile on circuits where cornering performance is the priority, the calculation changes dramatically at Spa.
The Belgian Grand Prix features several of the longest full-throttle sections of the Formula 1 season, including the climb from La Source through Eau Rouge and Raidillon before the Kemmel Straight, as well as the flat-out blast from Stavelot through Blanchimont toward the Bus Stop chicane.
Any unnecessary aerodynamic drag or horsepower deficit can translate into valuable tenths of a second over a lap, making straight-line efficiency one of the most important performance factors at Spa-Francorchamps.
For that reason, Ferrari is expected to sacrifice some rear downforce in exchange for higher top speed, allowing Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to better defend and attack against rivals on the circuit’s long straights.
Austria test already pointed Ferrari toward its Spa solution
Ferrari’s preparations for Belgium actually began several weeks ago.
During the opening practice session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, Formula 2 driver Dino Beganovic replaced Charles Leclerc as part of Ferrari’s mandatory rookie driver programme. However, the session also provided engineers with an ideal opportunity to evaluate aerodynamic configurations specifically intended for future races.
One of the key experiments involved running the SF-26 without the FTM exhaust system, enabling Ferrari’s engineers to collect valuable data ahead of Spa. The information gathered during that session reportedly convinced Loic Serra that abandoning the exhaust flap could become the most effective solution for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc expected to run a low-downforce Ferrari
Ferrari is therefore expected to adopt one of its lowest-downforce configurations of the entire season in Belgium.
This approach is far from unusual at Spa. Most Formula 1 teams traditionally reduce rear wing levels to values similar to those used at Monza, prioritizing straight-line speed over maximum cornering grip. Drivers generally accept a more nervous car through the demanding middle sector in exchange for greater performance across the circuit’s lengthy acceleration zones.
For Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, this setup philosophy could significantly improve overtaking opportunities while reducing the risk of becoming vulnerable to faster rivals on the straights.
Although removing the FTM system will inevitably reduce some of the SF-26’s impressive cornering performance, Ferrari believes the overall lap-time gain should outweigh the disadvantages on a circuit with Spa’s unique characteristics.
Another crucial test in Ferrari’s championship campaign
The Belgian Grand Prix could become one of Ferrari’s most revealing weekends of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Following Charles Leclerc’s breakthrough victory at Silverstone and Lewis Hamilton’s continued improvement with the SF-26, the Scuderia has firmly re-established itself as Mercedes’ closest challenger. Every technical decision now carries greater importance as Ferrari attempts to reduce the gap in both world championships.
Choosing to temporarily abandon one of the team’s most successful aerodynamic innovations underlines Ferrari’s willingness to adapt its package to the demands of each circuit rather than relying on a single philosophy throughout the season.
If the low-drag configuration delivers the expected gains at Spa-Francorchamps, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could arrive with a significantly more competitive package than many initially anticipated, potentially allowing Ferrari to continue building momentum in the increasingly fascinating 2026 Formula 1 title fight.
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