Ferrari readies major SF-26 upgrade package for Austin
Ferrari plans a significant SF-26 aerodynamic upgrade for the United States Grand Prix at COTA. The package includes a new floor, revised sidepods and bodywork changes. It represents the final major development step on the 2026 car before resources shift to the 2027 project.
Upgrade details confirmed
Ferrari will bring a substantial aerodynamic package to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. The changes target the floor, sidepods and bodywork on the SF-26.[1]
The new floor forms the core of the update. It aims to increase downforce from the underbody while improving load stability across varying ride heights and operating conditions.[2]
Sidepod inlets will narrow slightly. This revision alters frontal volume and redirects external airflow toward the floor and rear of the car. Bodywork and cooling exits will adjust to match the new layout.[1]
Final major step on SF-26
The package marks the last large-scale aerodynamic development for the 2026 chassis. After Austin, work shifts almost entirely to the 2027 car.[3]
No front-wing changes form part of the Austin specification. The updates remain interconnected to optimise overall airflow management without extreme downwash solutions seen on some rivals.[2]
Related reading
- [1]Ferrari plans floor and sidepod changes for Austin push (grandprix). Accessed 2026-10-16.
- [2]Ferrari, ad Austin il quarto pacchetto della SF-26: fondo nuovo e bodywork evoluto (autoracer). Accessed 2026-10-16.
- [3]Ferrari readies final major upgrade for Austin (motorsport-nextgen). Accessed 2026-10-16.