For the Silverstone round, Ferrari has introduced a few, highly targeted modifications to the SF-26. One of these concerns the winglets anchored to the rear brake ducts. This is an update aimed at refining the aerodynamic efficiency of the rear end.
Ferrari Adapts the SF-26 to the Silverstone Layout
By now, we have understood how even small details can make a difference in the 2026 Formula 1 season, especially considering that the margins among the top teams are often very tight, as Vasseur himself has repeatedly pointed out.
For this exact reason, the Italian squad has focused on fine-tuning, selecting a specific aerodynamic configuration for Silverstone. The Maranello team is setting aside the Miami update on the bargeboards, opting instead for the baseline specification featuring a single vertical element.
This choice stems from the experiments carried out in Austria starting from FP1, and was deemed more suitable for the Silverstone layout. We will likely see it again at Spa-Francorchamps in less than two weeks. To align with this objective, Ferrari has developed an upgrade for the rear of the car.
Ferrari’s Work on the Rear End
The modification shown in the following image extends the chord of the upper winglet, consequently increasing its effective aerodynamic surface area. Beyond the specific intervention itself, this area of the car is crucial for protecting and stabilizing the flow field that feeds the diffuser.
Just as it happens at the front end, the turbulence triggered by the tyre wake represents a major critical issue, as it tends to infiltrate the volume of the diffuser and disrupt its efficiency.
The goal of these winglets is to generate local downforce to laterally seal the diffuser. This is an extremely refined piece of micro-aerodynamics designed to ensure maximum effectiveness under all running conditions.
