There’s a special component that operates the movable element of the front wing on the new Formula 1 cars. Here’s the secret system Ferrari has implemented on the SF-26, a key solution that incorporates several unique design concepts.
With the rise of active aerodynamics, even the front wing now allows flap lowering, improving overall car efficiency. Ferrari first tested this system during the 2025 Pirelli tests in Hungary. Charles Leclerc drove the SF-25 equipped with the solution, while the SF-26’s nose has already been updated to a flatter design. Loic Serra meticulously studied this car, designing it to quickly pivot core concepts if needed. So far, the “chameleon-like” SF-26 is showing positive results. Additional aerodynamic updates are expected during the second week of testing in Bahrain, along with a new engine. But now, let’s uncover Ferrari’s secret in the front wing activation system.
SF-26 front wing actuator: a compromise between technology and safety
As seen in photos from AG Photo, here’s the SF-26 control that operates the front wing. According to Motorsport.com, Loic Serra and his team carried out a meticulous design process. The hydraulic actuator controlling the movement is located in the nose of the car. The actuator uses a hybrid carbon and metal construction to provide the necessary stiffness for fast movement, without significantly affecting the car’s overall weight. Modern F1 cars hide numerous critical components essential to the platform’s performance. But with the actuator in the nose, how can a front wing be replaced in the pits after an accident or damage?
Loic Serra’s team positioned the actuator at the front of the monocoque, taking advantage of the steering column being shifted behind the lower suspension wishbone, creating space for the actuator. This design choice makes sense for two main reasons. First, it enhances safety, as there is minimal risk of hydraulic leaks during a crash. Second, it improves weight distribution, moving mass closer to the car’s center of gravity. This will help Ferrari, once the SF-26 reaches minimum weight, to add ballast in the front wing for optimal balance. The “connection” allowing the hydraulic couplings to disengage has not yet been revealed. The actuator is either fully active or inactive. Two high-pressure channels in the nose transfer the movement to the movable wing.
This technical refinement highlights the extreme level of detail Ferrari is pursuing to master the 2026 regulations. By integrating the hydraulics so deeply into the chassis and nose architecture, the Scuderia is betting on a platform that prioritizes aerodynamic consistency and weight management. As testing continues in Bahrain, these hidden innovations will be the “marginal gains” that determine whether the SF-26 can consistently challenge at the front of the grid from the very first race in Melbourne.
Leave a Reply