Ferrari’s latest aerodynamic innovation has already become the talk of the Formula 1 paddock during the opening day of the final pre-season test in Bahrain, with McLaren sporting director Andrea Stella taking a particularly close look. The Italian team’s unexpected upgrade at the rear of the SF-26 has caught rival teams by surprise and could provide a subtle but meaningful advantage heading into the 2026 season.
While Ferrari had been expected to introduce major upgrades during the second week of testing in Sakhir, the early appearance of this rear-end development has created a stir among engineers and journalists alike. The Scuderia impressed in the previous Bahrain sessions, with Lewis Hamilton setting the fastest race simulation under the floodlights on the third day, highlighting the team’s reliability and pace.
For Wednesday’s testing, Charles Leclerc was behind the wheel for the first half of the session, before Lewis Hamilton took over following the lunch break, allowing the seven-time world champion to get a feel for the SF-26 and the new exhaust concept. Observers noted that Hamilton’s feedback will be crucial in refining this upgrade before Melbourne.
Ferrari’s secret exhaust winglet surprises rival teams
According to the Italian media, Ferrari has introduced a small but innovative winglet positioned directly in front of the exhaust outlet, a move described as “unprecedented” for the 2026 generation of F1 cars. The rear modification immediately grabbed the attention of rival teams as soon as Charles Leclerc rolled onto the track, revealing Ferrari’s willingness to push the boundaries of current technical regulations.
Experts suggest that replicating Ferrari’s solution would require other teams to redesign the entire rear-end layout of their 2026 cars. If the upgrade proves effective, this minor adjustment could translate into a consistent performance edge across multiple circuits, potentially giving Ferrari an early-season advantage.
Last season, Ferrari struggled with the SF-25, as the team was forced to raise ride height to comply with plank wear regulations, which cost downforce and prevented the car from reaching its optimal aerodynamic window. The SF-26’s new exhaust solution could be a key step in rectifying past mistakes and ensuring the car extracts maximum performance from the 2026 regulations.
Andrea Stella among those inspecting Ferrari’s innovation
Journalist Kemal Sengull reported from Bahrain that Andrea Stella spent a significant amount of time examining the SF-26’s rear, highlighting how seriously McLaren is taking Ferrari’s development. Early estimates suggest the exhaust winglet could deliver between 0.15 and 0.25 seconds per lap, a substantial gain in the context of F1’s highly competitive margins.
In addition to this aerodynamic tweak, Ferrari may also hold an advantage at race starts. Rumours indicate that the team has opted for a smaller turbo to simplify engine preparation, potentially allowing for cleaner getaways compared to rival teams. The F1 Commission is set to meet this week to discuss pre-race procedures, with Andrea Stella reportedly leading proposals for a longer start sequence to improve safety and reduce incidents across the grid.
With Lewis Hamilton adapting to the SF-26 and Charles Leclerc providing consistent pace, Ferrari’s combination of innovative upgrades and strong driver line-up positions them as a team to watch in 2026. Rival teams will need to respond quickly if Ferrari’s rear-end development proves as effective as early indications suggest.
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