Ferrari is heading towards the 2026 Italian Grand Prix with an important aerodynamic decision to make over the SF-26: whether to remove the FTM winglet positioned ahead of the exhaust in an attempt to reduce drag and increase top speed at Monza. The choice is being assessed through simulations as the Scuderia prepares for its home race, where the arrival of the updated ADUO-2 power unit should also provide an additional performance boost.
The question for Maranello is whether the benefits of running without the FTM element would outweigh what Ferrari could lose in terms of aerodynamic load and traction. Monza’s unique characteristics make it one of the most logical circuits at which to consider removing the component, but the data will ultimately determine whether Ferrari takes that route.
Ferrari still has qualifying weaknesses with the SF-26
According to AutoRacer.it, the third SF-26 upgrade package appears to have eliminated the rear instability problems that had previously affected the car. However, Ferrari still has significant limitations in qualifying, particularly when it comes to exploiting the maximum power available from the engine and bringing the Soft tyre fully into its operating window.
The SF-26 remains a car that performs more convincingly over race distances, where it manages its tyres well, but it continues to struggle to switch on the Soft compound effectively for a single qualifying lap. At Zandvoort, the deficit linked to the power unit was around four tenths of a second and could become larger at other circuits. Ferrari has not been able to compensate fully for that disadvantage through the chassis.
The engine deficit also has an impact in race conditions, although to a lesser extent. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton both found overtaking rivals difficult at the Dutch Grand Prix, where Ferrari’s underlying pace was stronger than the final result suggested and execution problems ultimately cost the team a better opportunity. At Monza, where straight-line performance carries even greater importance, Ferrari knows there is little room for compromise.
Ferrari FTM simulations weigh top speed against downforce
AutoRacer.it reports that Ferrari is carrying out simulations to determine whether removing the FTM winglet would be the right decision for the Italian Grand Prix. The main potential advantage would be a reduction in aerodynamic resistance, allowing the SF-26 to achieve greater top speed on Monza’s long straights.
In theory, Monza demands a particularly low-drag car, making removal of the element a realistic possibility. However, the data also highlight the opposite side of the trade-off. The FTM could provide useful additional aerodynamic load through the relatively small number of corners on the circuit, several of which still have a major influence on the overall lap time.
Maranello is therefore studying the compromise carefully. If there is one circuit on the calendar where the component could be removed, Monza appears to be the leading candidate because of its distinctive characteristics. Those characteristics are set to become even more unusual with the 2026 generation of Formula 1 cars.
Why Monza creates a different aerodynamic challenge in 2026
In previous seasons, Formula 1 teams used highly distinctive rear-wing specifications designed specifically for Monza. In 2026, however, the cars are expected to use the same basic configuration seen at other rounds, significantly changing the aerodynamic compromise faced by the drivers.
Previously, corners such as Lesmo 1 and Lesmo 2 had to be negotiated with a heavily compromised low-downforce set-up. That situation changes considerably with the current cars, which can retain substantial aerodynamic load, potentially at levels closer to those seen at circuits such as Silverstone.
The FTM decision therefore extends beyond pure top speed. Maintaining aerodynamic load could help Ferrari improve traction at a circuit where using energy efficiently and avoiding unnecessary losses will be crucial. The Scuderia’s calculations form part of the broader technical development of the SF-26 as engineers attempt to maximise both aerodynamic and power-unit performance.
ADUO-2 power unit adds another factor to Ferrari’s Monza decision
Ferrari’s aerodynamic evaluation will take place alongside another important development for the Italian Grand Prix. The ADUO-2 engine is expected to provide approximately 10 additional horsepower while improving the efficiency of the internal combustion engine through modifications to the turbocharger and other internal components.
The power-unit step is a central part of Ferrari’s preparations for its home race, with the team having already worked on a broader Monza performance programme following the Zandvoort aerodynamic update. The additional power could influence how aggressively Ferrari approaches the aerodynamic compromise between downforce and drag.
For now, no final decision has been indicated over the FTM configuration. Ferrari will continue studying its simulation data before determining whether removing the element offers the best overall lap-time benefit for the SF-26 at Monza.
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