The Formula 1 paddock is already buzzing with talk, and the words are making noise. According to Ted Kravitz, the new Scuderia Ferrari SF-26 has been described as “a plane.” A nickname that says a lot. The reference is clear: the car seen during the Bahrain tests showed a highly evolved aerodynamic package. The most noticeable changes were made to the front wing, the floor, and the diffuser—key areas for generating downforce and stability.
Methodical work pays off
Ferrari has worked methodically, without obsessing over lap times. The focus was on data collection and correlating simulator results with on-track performance. The outcome? A car that is stable during long runs and precise in direction changes. On the mileage front, the SF-26 completed over 400 laps across the three days—a significant figure. It demonstrates reliability, adherence to the test program, and the ability to push the car without interruptions.
Technical highlights
From a technical perspective, the floor appears to be the real strength. The management of airflow toward the diffuser seems more efficient, keeping the car glued to the asphalt even with high fuel loads—a strong signal for race pace.
According to feedback gathered in the paddock, Ferrari sits comfortably in the leading group. There isn’t a definitive hierarchy yet, but the Italian side is consistently among the most convincing teams alongside McLaren and Mercedes. Red Bull remains an unknown, but the SF-26 does not seem inferior.
Positive driver feedback
The drivers reported positive sensations: improved balance, less instability on corner entry, and strong traction on exit. All signs suggest a solid base. Of course, testing doesn’t award points. Fuel loads and engine mappings remain secret. But when words like “plane” start circulating in the paddock, it indicates that something has clearly impressed.
Ferrari leaves Bahrain with a mix of enthusiasm and caution. “The potential is there,” a phrase that has echoed in fans’ minds for years, but it will need to be confirmed when it truly counts.
The nickname “airplane” suggests that Ferrari has finally unlocked the aerodynamic efficiency needed to compete at the very front of the 2026 grid. While the team is wise to remain cautious, the sheer consistency of the SF-26 during its 400-lap marathon indicates that the “potential” Maranello has been chasing might finally be ready to take flight in Melbourne.
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