Ferrari surprised the Formula 1 paddock with a novel aerodynamic feature on its SF-26 car during the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain on Wednesday. The small wing, positioned in front of the exhaust pipe and known as FTM, exploits exhaust gas flow for performance gains, including at low speeds. This design complies with regulations but poses challenges for rivals to replicate.
The second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain began on Wednesday, with teams shifting focus toward aerodynamic performance rather than power unit analysis. Ferrari led this trend by unveiling a modified SF-26, featuring a rectangular aerodynamic appendage behind the exhaust pipe. As Charles Leclerc took to the Sakhir circuit in the morning session, the device immediately drew attention from competitors, ahead of Lewis Hamilton's afternoon run.
Dubbed FTM within the Scuderia, the flap serves a dual purpose: increasing the stall of the rear wing on straights and generating negative pressure behind the diffuser. This innovation leverages the 2026 power units, where the internal combustion engine acts as an electricity generator to recharge the battery, maintaining high V6 revs and constant exhaust flow even through medium- and low-speed corners.
Regulatory limits allow aerodynamic devices within 60mm of the rear axle, but typically prevent extension beyond the exhaust end. Ferrari engineers circumvented this by repositioning the differential as far back as possible, utilizing space under the deformable structure. The rear area was designed from the SF-26's inception to accommodate FTM, and the car appeared with flow-viz paint to validate simulation data against real-world conditions.
Experts note that confirming the FTM's benefits would require rivals to undertake significant redesigns of their gearboxes and internal mechanics, making replication difficult or impossible without major overhauls. This positions the upgrade as a strategic advantage for Ferrari, potentially paving the way for further developments in the area.