Scuderia Set to Deploy Distinctive Wing Design at Suzuka Following Shanghai Disappointment

Ferrari's innovative aerodynamic package will make its return at the Japanese Grand Prix following a frustrating result in Shanghai. Despite Lewis Hamilton finally achieving his maiden podium in red, the Prancing Horse finished third, trailing the winner by 25 seconds at a circuit where they're expected to be competitive.

Shanghai International CircuitFormula 1

The Shanghai International Circuit provided a bittersweet outcome for the Scuderia on race day. While the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc captured attention throughout the grand prix, Ferrari's SF-26 could only manage a third-place finish—though it marked a significant milestone for Hamilton, who clinched his first podium appearance with the Italian squad. The performance left the team trailing the victorious Kimi Antonelli by 25 seconds, a substantial gap that underscored the competitive challenges facing what remains their most credible championship contender.

As the 2026 season moves toward the Japanese Grand Prix, Ferrari is preparing to reintroduce their distinctive aerodynamic solution—the design that has garnered attention for its innovative approach to wing configuration. The decision to deploy this technical package at Suzuka signals the team's determination to close the performance gap demonstrated in Shanghai and capitalize on what has historically proven favorable conditions for the Maranello-based outfit.

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technical Regulations

Art. C3.11.1

Art. 30

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Full Regulation Text

Technical Regulations

Article C3.11.1

FIA Source

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.

rear wingbodywork profileconcave radiusaerodynamic bodyworkwing design

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article 30

FIA Source

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.

rear wingreference volumeaerodynamictechnical regulationscar dimensions

2026 Season Regulations