Ferrari vs. Mercedes: pictures reveal design difference in 2026 active front aero testing. Ferrari experiments with advanced active front wing design at Pirelli tests.

Ferrari tests refined active front wing aerodynamics ahead of 2026 – photos

At the Pirelli tests in Abu Dhabi, where the 2026 tires are being evaluated, Ferrari is experimenting with active aerodynamics on the front wing, featuring a more refined design than Mercedes. Here’s what we know from the session and the first photos.

During the tests organized by Pirelli, Ferrari ran the SF-25 mule-car to trial solutions for the 2026 car. Charles Leclerc took the wheel in the morning session, while Lewis Hamilton was scheduled for the afternoon. The team is already running experiments to simulate active front-wing aerodynamics with a more sophisticated approach than Mercedes.

Today’s program concluded at 18:00 local time at Yas Marina, which is 15:00 in Italy. Two Ferraris were on track, both featuring ultra-low downforce wings designed to mimic the reduced load expected in 2026. Charles Leclerc completed his program in the morning, while Lewis Hamilton finished the session later in the day. These tests provide Pirelli with essential data on next year’s tires, as the regulation changes will introduce significant modifications, and teams do not want to be unprepared.

Ferrari has already tested a version of its 2026 steering wheel. Now, the Maranello team is also experimenting with active front-wing aerodynamics. Mercedes is testing a similar system, but theirs is visibly less refined.

The return of the front wing system in Ferrari Pirelli tests

According to The Race, Ferrari is using a flap-opening system on the front wing in Abu Dhabi. The car first tested this setup in August during post-Hungarian Grand Prix testing. While it is not the actual front wing that will be used in 2026, it allows both the tire supplier and the team to study how the car behaves with the flap open or closed. The actuators, located under the nose, are hydraulic and allow the driver to adjust the flap via a button on the steering wheel, similar to the DRS, feeling the change in real-time.

Mercedes has also installed a similar element on its car at Yas Marina, although it is bulkier and less refined. In 2026, both the front and rear wings will open simultaneously, reducing downforce while significantly increasing efficiency. Finally, as reported by the Italian website AutoRacer.it, Charles Leclerc tested the 2026 steering wheel. Contrary to Motorsport.com reports, the SF-25 mule-car did not have its rear suspension modified during these tests.