Scuderia Ferrari Set to Debut Unconventional Rear Wing Design at Shanghai Circuit
Ferrari will showcase its experimental inverted rear wing concept during the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, marking the Scuderia's first competitive outing with the distinctive aerodynamic innovation. The radical design represents the Italian team's bold approach to maximizing performance at the Shanghai International Circuit.
The Scuderia Ferrari team is preparing to introduce one of Formula 1's most unconventional aerodynamic concepts this season. The Maranello-based outfit's revolutionary 'upside-down' rear wing will make its racing debut at the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix, giving fans and competitors their first glimpse of the bold design philosophy on a competitive race weekend.
This marks a significant moment for Ferrari's technical development program, as the innovative wing configuration has been confined to the drawing board and testing facilities until this point. The decision to premiere the experimental rear wing at Shanghai demonstrates the team's confidence in the concept and their strategic approach to introducing new technologies throughout the season.
The unconventional aerodynamic solution represents Ferrari's commitment to pushing boundaries in pursuit of competitive advantage, particularly as the team looks to optimize performance across diverse circuit layouts and conditions that characterize the modern Formula 1 calendar.
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Related Regulations
Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.
Full Regulation Text
Article C3.11.1
Rear Wing Profiles
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
The rear wing must fit within a specific design area and can have up to three separate sections. It cannot have inward-curving surfaces visible from underneath, and any inward curves visible from above must have a minimum radius of 100mm to ensure safety and fair aerodynamic performance.
- Rear wing bodywork must stay within the defined RV-RW-PROFILES design box
- Maximum of three non-overlapping sections allowed in the rear wing structure
- No concave (inward-curving) surfaces allowed when viewed from below
- Any concave surfaces visible from above must have at least 100mm radius to prevent sharp curves
Official FIA Text
Rear Wing Profiles Bodywork must lie in its entirety within RV-RW-PROFILES, comprise of up to three non-intersecting simply connected volumes, and contain no concave radius of curvature visible from below and no concave radius less than 100mm visible from above.
Article 30
Rear Wing Profiles Reference Volume (RV-RW-PROFILES)
Chapter: C
In Simple Terms
This regulation defines the maximum allowable space (or 'reference volume') where a Formula 1 car's rear wing can be positioned and shaped. Think of it as an invisible 3D box that the rear wing must fit within, with one angled plane cutting through it to set the upper boundary. If a team's rear wing extends beyond this box, it violates the rules.
- The rear wing must fit within a defined rectangular box measuring 465mm long (X-axis), 575mm wide (Y-axis), and 155mm tall (Z-axis)
- An additional angled plane cuts through this box, removing the upper portion and creating a sloped upper limit for the wing profile
- This volumetric restriction ensures all cars have comparable rear wing dimensions and prevents unfair aerodynamic advantages
- Teams must design their rear wing profiles to stay entirely within this reference volume during technical scrutineering
Official FIA Text
RV-RW-PROFILES is an axis-aligned cuboid [XR=165, 0, 725] to [XR=630, 575, 880], trimmed with plane passing through three points with all material below discarded.
Article C3.18.14
Rear Wing Skins
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
F1 rear wings must be rigid enough that their outer surfaces don't bend more than 2mm when a suction cup applies a pulling force to them. This test ensures wings stay stable and maintain their aerodynamic shape during races, preventing teams from using flexible wings as an unfair advantage.
- Rear wing skins can deflect no more than 2mm under 60N of force applied perpendicular to the wing surface
- A 50mm diameter vacuum cup is used to apply the test force
- Deflection is measured at the outer edge of the cup and compared to the lower wing surface at the same position along the wing
- The measurement point must be at least 300mm away from other reference points to ensure accurate testing
Official FIA Text
Skins of Rear Wing Profiles may deflect no more than 2mm when 60N force applied normal to and away from element. Force applied using vacuum cup of 50mm diameter. Deflection measured at outer diameter of cup and relative to lower wing surface at same X-Station, at least 300mm away.
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