One of the most eagerly anticipated components set to debut as part of Ferrari’s upgrade package at the Spanish Grand Prix is a new front wing. In Miami, the Scuderia limited itself to a relatively minor update to the footplate, adding a flow deflector designed to increase the wing’s outwash effect.
The objective was to direct a greater portion of the airflow around the outside of the front tyre, a solution that has already been adopted and refined by virtually every other team on the grid through various front wing developments introduced earlier in the season.
Source: AutoRacer
The version shown above represents the ‘baseline’ front wing used on the SF-26. The Miami update was merely an early indication of the development path being pursued by Loic Serra and Ferrari’s engineering team, with the complete specification now set to make its debut in Barcelona.
Up to this point, Ferrari has adopted a relatively conservative approach to front-end development, focusing more heavily on the rear of the car. However, the front wing has now become one of the key areas of development.
The new wing features substantial changes, and while additional modifications may become visible over the course of the weekend, AutoRacer has exclusively revealed the first images of the updated front wing already present at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Gallery: New Ferrari front wing – Footplate
Source: AutoRacer
Ferrari has followed the same development route as many of its rivals by introducing a diveplane, the horizontal wing element attached to the endplate and positioned perpendicular to the footplate.
Until now, the SF-26 had never featured this solution. However, the concept has become a standard feature across much of the grid, and Ferrari has now aligned itself with the prevailing aerodynamic trend. It is also possible to notice that the footplate itself has undergone further evolution compared to the version introduced in Miami. In addition, a second, smaller flow deflector has appeared at the outermost section of the assembly.
Gallery: New Ferrari SF-26 front wing
Source: AutoRacer
Further significant modifications can be seen underneath the front wing structure.
Most notably, a series of channels have been added beneath the footplate. These features are somewhat reminiscent of the Venturi-style concepts seen on the floors of the previous generation of Formula 1 cars. Their purpose is likely twofold. On one hand, they should contribute additional local downforce, while on the other they appear specifically designed to energise the outwash effect generated beneath the front wing.
The solution represents a notably more aggressive aerodynamic approach compared to the original specification Ferrari has used throughout the opening phase of the season.
With Barcelona expected to provide one of the clearest performance benchmarks of the year, the new front wing will be one of the most closely watched elements of Ferrari’s upgrade package. The Scuderia hopes these changes will further improve airflow management and help unlock additional performance from the SF-26 as the development battle intensifies.
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