Ferrari SF-26 hints at S-duct return: a closer look at the central aerodynamics. A detailed look at the Ferrari SF-26 reveals a possible return of the S-duct.

A brief video, measured words, and a total absence of fanfare. This has been Ferrari’s approach in unveiling the new SF-26, the car with which the Prancing Horse will tackle the 2026 F1 season and enter the new technical era of top-level motorsport.

The SF-26 is a car that, hopefully, will return Ferrari to the forefront, competing for major goals. As highlighted in several technical analyses, it features bold solutions both aerodynamically and mechanically. Notably, the team has abandoned the front pull-rod suspension in favor of a push-rod design focused on anti-dive performance, combined with a repositioning of the steering rods.

At the same time, some solutions from previous models have been confirmed, such as the triangular airbox and the inverted “L”-shaped radiator inlets.

Transitional sidepods?

Looking closely at the radiator inlets, there is a clear upper edge that creates a sort of tray to separate airflow directed over the top of the car from the airflow going underneath. This effect is also fed by the flows from the sidepods, which show a pronounced rearward slope.

The central section of the SF-26 is likely still in a provisional configuration, prioritizing mechanical reliability over outright performance. Ferrari appears to be ensuring that the bodywork does not sit too closely to the power unit, a sensible choice at a stage where data collection and understanding the behavior of the new power units are crucial.

Nevertheless, even in this conservative phase, the central area of the SF-26 shows clear aerodynamic intent, managing airflow in a critical region and directing it efficiently toward the rear of the car.

S-duct making a comeback?

Images from the SF-26 shakedown in Barcelona have revealed a “suspicious” detail on the sidepods, prompting many insiders to wonder if Ferrari has reintroduced the famous S-duct.

With this solution, the team could be drawing air from beneath the radiator inlets and channeling it via an S-shaped duct to the upper section of the car. This would allow clean air to flow over the sidepods, accelerating the airflow along the bodywork and improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Additionally, this laminar flow over the car’s surface could work in conjunction with the gills on the engine cover to extract hot gases from the power unit. To achieve this, Ferrari’s aerodynamic team, led by Diego Tondi, appears to have created a slot near the Halo’s leading edge, split into two sections: the upper part managing airflow exiting the S-duct, and the lower part aiding heat extraction from the power unit.

The potential return of the S-Duct on the SF-26 suggests that Ferrari has not only focused on the massive engine changes for 2026 but has also looked for clever aerodynamic “freebies” to gain an edge in efficiency. By integrating such a sophisticated bypass system around the Halo and sidepods, Diego Tondi’s team is signaling that Maranello is ready to be technically aggressive in this new era. While reliability remains the immediate priority in Barcelona, these hidden details prove that the SF-26 is a car designed with serious performance aspirations in mind.