F1 | Ferrari SF26 active aerodynamics explained: how it works
It’s a historic day for Ferrari: today the Scuderia unveiled the new Ferrari SF26, the car that will compete in the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The 2026 season will see major regulatory changes, including the introduction of new power units. But that’s not all: the 2026 cars will also feature active aerodynamics, and today, for the very first time, we can finally see how it works thanks to the Ferrari SF26.
The active aerodynamic system is designed to facilitate overtaking, enhancing the spectacle of racing. But more importantly, it presents a completely new challenge for the drivers. It’s no coincidence that several drivers have already mentioned that they “had to relearn how to drive” because of these new systems. So how exactly does this active aerodynamics concept function? The SF26 finally gives us a clear demonstration.
The video of the active aerodynamics in action
During the Ferrari SF26 shakedown at Fiorano, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was the first to get behind the wheel and try out this innovative feature. Right after leaving the garage, Lewis Hamilton activated the system on both the front and rear wings. A video immediately captured the moment and was shared across social media, giving fans their first glimpse of the new technology in action.
From the footage, it is possible to see how the front wing lowers when activated, becoming nearly flat. This adjustment reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing the car to achieve higher top speeds along the straights. The rear wing functions similarly to the Drag Reduction System (DRS) used in previous seasons, with an opening mechanism reminiscent of the solution the FIA regulated for Formula 1 cars from 2011 to 2025.
In essence, this video provides the first real insight into the operation of active aerodynamics on the SF26. Curiosity around this mechanism has been extremely high, and fans now have their first concrete demonstration of how it will impact racing performance. One thing is certain: this will not be the last time we see it in action, but drivers and teams will need to adapt and become fully accustomed to the system as the season progresses.
Active aerodynamics represents a significant step forward for Formula 1 in 2026. By allowing the car’s wings to dynamically adjust their angle, the SF26 can optimize airflow both for high-speed straights and slower, more technical corners. This system requires a high degree of coordination from the driver, as activating or deactivating the wings changes the car’s balance instantly, affecting braking, traction, and cornering stability.
For Ferrari, the SF26 is not only a new car but a testbed for understanding the full potential of these aerodynamic innovations. As Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton begin to explore the limits of the system, engineers will gather crucial data to refine settings for different circuits throughout the season. Every adjustment could mean a difference in lap time and race performance, emphasizing how critical active aerodynamics will be for 2026.
In conclusion, the Ferrari SF26’s active aerodynamic system offers a glimpse of the future of Formula 1. The combination of lowered front wings and a DRS-style rear wing provides higher speeds on straights while maintaining control in corners. The first demonstration by Lewis Hamilton highlights its functionality, but the real test will be how consistently it performs across an entire race weekend. Fans can expect to see this system evolve as Ferrari fine-tunes the car for optimal balance and performance in every race.
Lewis Hamilton coming out of the pits and using and changing the active aero system on both rear and front wing
Video from ModenaMotori on Instagram pic.twitter.com/ugeYgo5Zwv
— Holiness (@F1BigData) January 23, 2026
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