Ferrari is set to implement its fourth and most substantial aerodynamic upgrade package for the SF-26 at the upcoming United States Grand Prix. The event is scheduled for October 23-25, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
The Italian team will debut a redesigned floor in Austin. Further revisions to the sidepods and bodywork are also anticipated.
While the new floor is expected for the Austin race, the revised sidepods and bodywork may make their first appearance at the Mexico City Grand Prix. This event follows the United States Grand Prix, running from October 30 to November 1, 2026.
The primary objective of the new floor specification is to increase overall downforce. It also aims to manage airflow more effectively under the car.
This development is intended to widen the SF-26’s operating window. This allows engineers to run less extreme car setups.
Adjustments to the sidepods and engine cover cooling openings are designed to reduce drag. This directly addresses the SF-26’s speed deficit on straights compared to rivals.
Ferrari’s chassis technical director, Loic Serra, has overseen these aerodynamic revisions. Wind tunnel testing has yielded promising results for the upgrade package.
This Austin package represents the final major aerodynamic development planned for the SF-26. Ferrari’s focus is now largely shifting towards its 2027 Formula 1 project.
Team Principal Fred Vasseur has indicated that approximately 80% of the current development work on the SF-26 will carry over to the 2027 car. This is due to stable regulations.
Charles Leclerc had previously called for upgrades in Singapore. This was despite securing a podium finish, citing perceived performance deficits in the SF-26.
The SF-26 has demonstrated a solid underlying design throughout the season. However, engineers have continuously sought to enhance performance from the car’s underside.
Efforts have also concentrated on addressing an aerodynamic balance that was overly biased towards the front of the car.
Ferrari has opted to optimize its existing sidepod solutions. This contrasts with some competitors who have pursued more radical design changes in this area.
The 2026 Formula 1 season has six races remaining. Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship with 444 points.
Mercedes leads the Constructors’ standings with 578 points. McLaren is third with 339 points, and Red Bull is fourth with 332 points.
In the Drivers’ Championship, Kimi Antonelli leads with 340 points. George Russell is second with 238 points.
Lewis Hamilton is third with 229 points, followed by Max Verstappen with 221 points. Charles Leclerc holds fifth position with 215 points.
Red Bull has shown a recent resurgence in performance. Max Verstappen has secured victories in the last two Grands Prix, held in Malaysia and Singapore.
Verstappen also achieved pole position in both of those events. This indicates a significant improvement in Red Bull’s competitive standing.
Red Bull currently trails Ferrari by 112 points in the Constructors’ Championship.
The United States Grand Prix marks the beginning of a triple-header. It will be followed by the Mexico City Grand Prix and the São Paulo Grand Prix.
