Ferrari has taken its brand-new SF-26 onto the Fiorano track, marking the historic first use of active aerodynamics under the new Formula 1 regulations. Fans can now see the groundbreaking system in action through an exclusive video from the track.
The Scuderia of Maranello officially unveiled the SF-26 and immediately rolled it out of the Fiorano Modenese gates for a fifteen-kilometer shakedown session. Leading the way was seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who became the first driver to activate the innovative active aerodynamics system, a feature that will be standard on the new generation of Formula 1 cars in 2026.
The new active aerodynamic system
The 2026 technical regulations introduce a new type of active aerodynamic system that can dynamically adjust depending on driving conditions. There are three main modes of operation. The first is the straight-line mode, known as X-Mode, which fully opens the movable elements on both the front and rear wings, reducing drag and maximizing top speed on the straights. The second is the cornering mode, or Z-Mode, where the wings close to generate maximum downforce for optimal cornering performance. Finally, there is a third, partial activation mode, affecting only the front wing, which Ferrari tested for the first time during the Fiorano shakedown.
Ferrari tests the new active aerodynamics
Ferrari’s preparations for the 2026 season opener in Australia began with the official presentation of the SF-26. At Fiorano, the team carried out the traditional fifteen-kilometer shakedown, which was divided between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The main objective was to ensure that all systems, including the new active aerodynamics, functioned perfectly before shipping the car to Spain for further testing.
In Barcelona, the SF-26 will face its first official pre-season testing from 27 to 29 January, with a focus primarily on the reliability of the new car. During the initial Fiorano session, the Ferrari engineers specifically tested the activation of the new system on the front wing, a major innovation compared to previous years when no such system existed. This marks an important step for Ferrari, highlighting their commitment to embracing the technical changes brought by the 2026 regulations.
Looking ahead to development
As previously mentioned, the SF-26 will now be transported to Spain, where fans and teams will get their first glimpse of a more complete specification of the car. By the time pre-season testing moves to Bahrain in February, Ferrari is expected to introduce a second specification, which should closely resemble the car used in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. This means that what we are seeing now is only the very beginning of an extensive development phase that will continue until the championship begins.
It is important to note that at this stage, it is impossible to make any reliable predictions about the on-track performance of the SF-26. Only once the season has started and the car is put through multiple race conditions will the team, drivers, and fans have a clearer understanding of its potential.
Ferrari has therefore officially taken the SF-26 onto the track, giving us the first-ever demonstration of active aerodynamics in Formula 1. With Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton sharing the initial kilometers, the team has ensured that the car is functioning perfectly before shipping it to Barcelona for the next step in testing. The 2026 season promises exciting technical innovations, and Ferrari has already taken a bold step forward with the SF-26’s new systems.
Leave a Reply