Motorsport.comUnverified19 days ago

Ferrari Unveils Intriguing Aerodynamic Innovation at Bahrain Pre-Season Test

Ferrari turned heads in the Formula 1 paddock during Wednesday's second pre-season test session in Bahrain by debuting a novel aerodynamic component on its SF-26. The distinctive winglet positioned ahead of the exhaust outlet immediately drew scrutiny from rival teams as Charles Leclerc began running before Lewis Hamilton's scheduled afternoon stint.

Bahrain International CircuitFormula 1

The Scuderia made a bold statement on the opening day of the second 2026 pre-season test in Bahrain, introducing an innovative aerodynamic solution that immediately piqued the curiosity of competitors across the grid.

The eye-catching addition—a miniature wing mounted in front of the SF-26's exhaust outlet—became the subject of intense paddock conversation as Charles Leclerc piloted the car through its initial laps at the Sakhir circuit on Wednesday. The modification was instantly noticeable to the watching teams, prompting questions about its aerodynamic purpose and performance implications.

The strategic timing of Ferrari's reveal, with the feature present as Leclerc embarked on his morning program ahead of Lewis Hamilton's afternoon appearance in the car, suggests the Maranello outfit is keen to maximize evaluation time for the new design element during this crucial pre-season evaluation period.

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Related Regulations

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technical Regulations

Art. C1.6

Art. C3.16.13

sporting Regulations

Art. B11.2

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Full Regulation Text

Technical Regulations

Article C1.6

FIA Source

New systems or technologies

Chapter: ARTICLE C1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES

In Simple Terms

If a team invents a clever new system or technology that isn't explicitly mentioned in the rulebook but the FIA approves it, they can only use it for the rest of that season. Once the season ends, that innovation is no longer allowed unless it becomes an official part of the regulations.

New technologies must be approved by the FIA before use
Approved innovations are only permitted until the end of the season in which they're introduced
Teams cannot carry over one-season innovations to the next season automatically
The regulation prevents any team from gaining a permanent advantage from a loophole

Official FIA Text

Any new system, procedure or technology not specifically covered by these Technical Regulations, but which is deemed permissible by the FIA, will only be admitted until the end of the Championship during which it is introduced.

new technologynew systemsfia approvalinnovationseasonal restriction

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C3.16.13

FIA Source

EC Rocket Aperture

Chapter: C3

In Simple Terms

F1 teams can have small exhaust outlets (called 'rocket apertures') on the engine cover to help with aerodynamics. These holes must be no bigger than 100,000mm² total and positioned toward the rear of the car, with a maximum of two holes allowed on each side.

Maximum total area of 100,000mm² for all exhaust apertures combined
Apertures must be located rearward of position XR = −55 on the engine cover
Teams can have up to two separate apertures per side (up to four total)
These are exhaust-only outlets with specific dimensional constraints [10, 300, 350]

Official FIA Text

EC Rocket aperture within [10, 300, 350] RV on Engine Cover, maximum 100000mm² area, efflux only, must lie rearward of XR = −55, may consist of up to two apertures per side.

rocket apertureengine coverexhaust outletaerodynamicefflux

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B11.2

FIA Source

Provisions for TCC

Chapter: B

In Simple Terms

TCC (Testing of Current Cars) sessions on European tracks are limited to a maximum of 9 hours per day, running between 9 AM and 7 PM. Only current-season F1 cars can be used (except for special tire testing), and drivers without a super license must use cars with a blue-green rear light.

TCC sessions on European circuits limited to maximum 9 hours daily between 09:00-19:00
Only current F1 cars permitted, except during out-of-competition tire testing
Non-super license drivers must use cars equipped with blue-green rear light
TCC restricted to specific testing types: pre-season testing, post-season test, tire testing, and substitute driver tests

Official FIA Text

TCC running limited to maximum nine hours between 09:00 and 19:00 on European circuits. Only current cars permitted except for out-of-competition tyre testing. Cars driven by non-super licence holders must have blue-green rear light. TCC limited to pre-season private/public collective testing, post-season test, out-of-competition tyre testing, and substitute driver test.

tcctesting of current carscollective testingeuropean circuitssuper license

2026 Season Regulations