Photos and video: watch Ferrari’s 270-degree “flipping” wing in action at Sakhir circuit. Ferrari introduces a revolutionary rear wing solution on the SF-26.

Ferrari, genius solution: the rear wing opens in a completely different way on the SF-26!

Ferrari introduced yet another ingenious solution on the SF-26 today, with a rear wing that opens in a completely different way compared to anything seen so far – photos and video.

The Prancing Horse continues to evolve the SF-26 with visible upgrades that are already making rivals raise their eyebrows. Here is the brilliant technical solution introduced by Ferrari, featuring a rear wing opening concept that is entirely different from what we have seen up to now in Formula 1.

In recent days we have seen how Ferrari has already significantly developed its 2026 challenger. Last week a new floor was introduced, along with a flatter front wing and additional “invisible” modifications to the internal fluid dynamics. Yesterday, updates to the diffuser — which had been awaiting FIA approval — made full use of the regulatory limits. Rivals are closely studying that solution, but it is not something that can be replicated without redesigning the entire rear end from scratch. However, the Scuderia is not stopping there, and here is the latest innovation brought to the track on Day 2 with Lewis Hamilton.

Ferrari SF-26, the flap rotates up to 270°

Ferrari has introduced a new rear wing specification where the SLM actuators are positioned within the end plates. No actuator/pod positioned where you'd typically expect it to be.

Whether it is supposed to invert the flaps as it is, is unclear at the moment. They've been in… pic.twitter.com/Rldrue88hC

— brakeboosted (@brakeboosted) February 19, 2026

The Maranello-based team continues to introduce new developments, and this time the focus shifts to the rear wing. This solution is unlike any other seen so far in terms of how the movable flap opens. Under the new regulations, teams are granted considerable freedom in managing the flap opening mechanism. On some cars we have seen systems that are very similar to traditional DRS concepts. Alpine surprised many by introducing a solution in which the wing collapses, rotating around the leading edge and effectively being “pulled back.” Now Ferrari has decided to further evolve that area.

According to Motorsport.com, this is a system never seen before. In the few laps completed, Lewis Hamilton demonstrated how the upper flap on the SF-26 is now effectively “flipped over.” No other team currently uses this method.

First of all, it can be observed that the flap still opens around the leading edge, as it did previously. What changes significantly is that once it reaches the horizontal position when open, the wing continues to rotate and flips a full 270 degrees, as reported by AutoRacer.it. In simple terms, and referring to the sponsor placement, the front section of the flap — where the HP logo is located — moves and rotates downward. Meanwhile, the rear section, where the IBM logo is positioned, points upward.

The words of Roberto Chinchero clearly explain how this ingenious innovation works: “This means that the trailing edge when the wing is in the open position — which effectively coincides with the leading edge when the wing is closed — takes on a completely different profile. This creates a sort of expansion, with the central front part of the flap becoming the guiding element for the outgoing airflow.”

At the moment, the seven-time world champion has been in the garage for over an hour. The team has ruled out any issues with the power unit, but according to Sky Sport F1, the mechanics are working on components related to the driveshaft and gearbox area. Ferrari has invested significant work at the factory, even experimenting with a concept similar to Alpine’s. Now the priority is to ensure reliability, as some issues have already emerged.

This solution promises even lower drag levels. Naturally, you can follow all the latest updates in our live text coverage of the Bahrain test sessions.

Ferrari has therefore introduced a revolutionary rear wing on the SF-26 that rotates 270 degrees to drastically reduce drag, and while early reliability issues have slowed their progress in Bahrain, the technical boldness of the design highlights the Scuderia’s aggressive development strategy for the 2026 era.