Scuderia Flip The Script: Ferrari’s Radical Rear Wing Gets FIA's Green Light

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 15:45 IST

Ferrari’s SF-26 rear wing flips dramatically for Active Aero under 2026 rules. FIA, led by Nikolas Tombazis, says it’s legal.

The Scuderia are off to the races early this year, and the FIA isn’t standing in their way.

FIA has delivered its initial verdict on Ferrari’s eye-catching rear-wing concept, first spotted during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The early call? It’s legal.

When Lewis Hamilton ventured out in the SF-26 on Thursday, sharp-eyed observers noticed something unusual. In “straight mode," Ferrari’s upper rear wing element didn’t simply flatten like most rivals’ designs.

It flipped. Not metaphorically, literally. The upper plane rotated dramatically, effectively inverting itself when activated.

A Bold Take on Active Aero

Under Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulations, traditional DRS has been replaced by integrated Active Aero systems. Teams can now adjust both front and rear wings dynamically to manage drag and energy deployment.

Most outfits have opted for conservative interpretations. flattening the upper rear element to cut drag on straights.

Ferrari went further.

Instead of reducing angle, the SF-26’s upper rear plane rotates close to 180 degrees into an inverted position. In theory, that could significantly slash drag — and may even generate slight lift, similar to an aircraft wing, boosting straight-line speed.

On Wednesday, Ferrari ran a more conventional configuration. By Thursday afternoon, Hamilton was back out with the radical version, with team boss Fred Vasseur not ruling out using it in grands prix.

FIA Verdict

FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis confirmed the governing body is satisfied… for now.

“We have, generally speaking, encouraged solutions that reduce drag," Tombazis said.

“That’s why the DRS regulations of last year, which were limiting the amount of opening, have not been maintained this year.

“It is to give more freedom, and the Ferrari solution, we believe, is okay."

Encouraged innovation. Maximum freedom. Ferrari listened.

If the concept delivers what it promises, rivals may soon be scrambling back to the drawing board.

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