Ferrari introduced a novel rear wing design during the second day of Formula 1's 2026 pre-season testing in Bahrain, where the upper flap rotates over 180 degrees to an upside-down position. The innovation, tested with Lewis Hamilton driving, aims to reduce drag while maintaining downforce in corners. Officials and rivals have noted its legality and creativity, though it remains a test item.
Ferrari debuted its innovative rear wing active aerodynamics during Thursday's session of the second pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit. The upper wing flap rotates more than 180 degrees around an axis at its leading edge, positioning the trailing edge at the front and creating an upside-down configuration in straight-line mode. This design differs from traditional DRS systems, which had a fixed rotation axis and a maximum slot gap of 85mm, by allowing greater freedom under the 2026 regulations.
With Lewis Hamilton at the wheel, the wing was briefly tested before Ferrari reverted to its previous specification. The mechanism, featuring a pivot in the center rather than the end, enables the flap to flip completely, potentially inducing a stall to minimize induced drag and reduce the overall coefficient of drag. Aerodynamic considerations focus on balancing downforce in corners with low drag on straights, though compromises exist between the two positions.
FIA technical director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed the design's legality, stating that the regulations encourage drag-reducing solutions and that Ferrari's approach meets the 0.4-second movement interval and wing curvature rules under Article C3.11.1(e), which prohibit concave radii visible from below or less than 100mm from above. As long as the floor and diffuser obscure any concave elements from underneath, it complies.
Rivals reacted with surprise and interest. Haas driver Ollie Bearman, following Hamilton, initially thought it was broken but called it 'super innovative' and 'slick,' noting its weight as a potential drawback amid efforts to meet the 2026 minimum weight limit. Williams team principal James Vowles described it as an 'interesting direction of travel' not previously considered by his team, expecting quick evaluations across the grid.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized ongoing innovation, saying, 'I think everybody is doing innovation, sometimes it’s visible, sometimes it’s not,' and uncertainty remains about its use in the season opener in Melbourne. The design is confirmed as a test item, with Ferrari assessing its performance before deciding on adoption for 2026.
