Ferrari has once again caught its rivals off guard by introducing a new aerodynamic upgrade on the SF-26 for the 2026 Australian Grand Prix. The Scuderia has focused on a crucial rear-end area of the car, continuing to develop a zone that can deliver significant aerodynamic downforce. Below are the details of the update, along with the photos.
The Maranello team has unveiled a further evolution at the rear of the SF-26 for the opening round in Melbourne. Ferrari has introduced an update that once again underlines its willingness to innovate in a part of the car capable of generating substantial aerodynamic load.
The SF-26 is an aggressive car in terms of design philosophy, with concepts that have proven to be original and innovative across the entire Formula 1 paddock. Over the winter, Loic Serra revealed that Ferrari had tested as many as 50 different front wing prototypes. However, that element has ultimately turned out to be the most conservative part of the single-seater.
The real aerodynamic push from Diego Tondi’s department has instead focused on the rear end and the floor. The diffuser already raised eyebrows in Bahrain thanks to the FTM winglet positioned in front of the exhaust. This is a component that rivals cannot simply copy, as it was integrated into the rear-end structure from the outset, requiring crucial interventions around the gearbox area. It is a particularly delicate zone, meaning it cannot be replicated just by observing it externally.
Then there is the so-called “reverse” rear wing, designed to stall at 270 degrees and deliver a notable straight-line speed advantage. That specific solution will not be seen in Australia, but there is still a significant aerodynamic novelty on the red car from Maranello this weekend.
The Ferrari diffuser evolves further with changes to the outer section
The new 2026 regulations leave considerable room for interpretation, especially at the rear of the car, and Ferrari has identified this area as crucial in its search for useful aerodynamic downforce. All the solutions introduced have undergone a lengthy evaluation process by the FIA, which ultimately approved every component proposed by the Maranello-based team.
The courage to innovate is a key element of Ferrari’s 2026 approach. Simulations carried out both in CFD and in vehicle dynamics have produced encouraging results. To comply with regulations regarding the FTM winglet, Ferrari had to ensure that the gearbox differential was designed in its most rearward possible position.
The regulations allow a limit of 60 millimetres relative to the rear axle for introducing an aerodynamic profile. On the SF-26 there is a flap known as FTM, which exploits exhaust gases even at low engine revs to recover energy. Tondi’s engineers aimed to push the concept to the maximum, taking advantage of a diffuser extension both in terms of increasing its effective length and improving airflow cleanliness by shifting turbulence toward the exhaust area.
Already in Australia, the diffuser features a modification. According to reports, the update could have debuted in Bahrain, but a slight delay and logistical issues forced Ferrari to postpone its introduction to Melbourne. Below are the photos taken by Albert Fabrega.
Specifically, the extractor shows a modification in its outermost area, where the winglet has been extended. The component therefore works “in synergy” with the diffuser edge and with the airflow passing along the sidepods, improving air extraction from the floor.
This is a fully integrated aerodynamic package, where the FTM (Flick Tail Mode) winglet positioned in front of the exhaust also plays a role. Ferrari’s development plan for the SF-26 is expected to follow a steady path. The technical team led by Loic Serra appears to be drawing inspiration from McLaren’s 2025 approach, introducing small but constant updates over time.
There will also be specific rounds where more substantial upgrade packages are introduced. For now, Ferrari is showing confidence and a clear lack of fear in pursuing bold solutions. There is optimism in Maranello — the track will ultimately decide whether that optimism is justified.
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