Ferrari to Debut Major SF-26 Upgrades at Miami GP After Filming Day Tests

Ferrari is preparing to introduce a significant aerodynamic upgrade package for its SF-26 car at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, following a secretive filming day test in Monza. The updates, originally planned for earlier races, include a revised rotating rear wing, a tweaked front wing, and a new floor as the team intensifies its development push to close the gap to rivals like Mercedes.

Why it matters:

This upgrade package represents Ferrari's first major competitive response of the 2024 season, signaling an aggressive development strategy. With the front of the grid extremely tight, even small aerodynamic gains can translate to crucial performance steps, making these updates vital for Ferrari's ambitions to consistently fight for podiums and challenge at the very front.

The Details:

• Filming Day Shakedown: The team utilized a permitted 200km filming day at Monza to test components on demonstration tires, offering a crucial real-world data point before the Miami race.
• Redesigned Rear Wing: The focus is on an evolved version of its rotating rear wing, first seen in Bahrain testing.
  • The endplates have been reshaped with a more angular, less rounded geometry.
  • The actuator's position within the endplate has been moved to a more oblique angle, closer to the main plane, to manage airflow more effectively—a key area of development for many teams.
• Other Aerodynamic Tweaks:
  • The wing's pillars have been redesigned with greater depth and width in the upper section for enhanced aerodynamic effect.
  • A new, mysterious vertical element has appeared centrally above the second movable flap.
  • Small appendages have been reintroduced on the halo to better manage turbulent airflow around the cockpit and driver's helmet, a concept also seen on Red Bull's car.
• Broader Package: The Miami updates also include modifications to the sensitive front wing and floor areas, which are critical under the current regulations and offer significant performance potential.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the performance delta these upgrades deliver in Miami's unique conditions. The success of this package will likely dictate the pace of Ferrari's in-season development. Furthermore, the team continues to analyze data and work on future updates, including planned power unit improvements that await regulatory approval under the ADUO mechanism.