Among the numerous upgrades that Ferrari will bring to the track in Miami, the real gem for technical insiders is not the much-discussed “Macarena” wing. At Maranello, engineers have worked meticulously on micro-details, concealing a genuine aerodynamic wildcard in the area of the actuator embedded within the side endplate.
The protrusion has been redesigned with a noticeably more oblique inclination, positioned closer to the main plane. From an engineering perspective, this three-dimensional deformation of the endplate is particularly intriguing: its purpose is to manipulate the local pressure gradient between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing. Shaping the actuator housing in this way should allow the SF-26 to energize the tip vortex and maximize the outwash effect. The result? Harmful turbulence is pushed further away from the rear wheels, while drag is reduced, all without compromising overall downforce levels in the slightest.
Despite this relentless pursuit of efficiency, which is typical of modern Formula 1, a closer lateral inspection reveals that the engineers have retained the supports connecting the first movable flap to the main plane when the wing is closed. This is a crucial structural choice to ensure perfect aeroelastic rigidity of the carbon fiber profile, a vital factor in preventing harmful flutter phenomena at the extremely high speeds expected in Florida, while also ensuring that airflow remains consistently attached to the surface.
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