Ferrari will introduce substantial technical modifications to the SF-26 when Formula 1 returns at the Miami Grand Prix, targeting a reduction in Mercedes' commanding performance advantage that has defined the opening phase of 2026.
The Italian squad has demonstrated marked improvement compared to their disappointing 2025 campaign, which ended with fourth place in the constructors' standings, zero victories, and only seven podium appearances. In contrast, this season has delivered top-three finishes across all completed rounds - Charles Leclerc claiming third in both Australia and Japan, while Lewis Hamilton secured his inaugural Ferrari podium in China.
However, Mercedes has dominated proceedings with victories in each of those three events, highlighting the performance deficit Ferrari must address.
Monza Testing Program Planned
According to Motorsport Week, the Maranello outfit will leverage permitted filming days at Monza to evaluate both revised and completely new components ahead of Miami's three-week timeline. The testing program will utilize non-competition specification tires to assess the upgrade package's effectiveness.
The development work encompasses a new floor design alongside renewed exploration of the controversial 'Macarena wing' concept. This distinctive aerodynamic element features 180-degree rotation capability designed to enhance downforce generation, having appeared briefly during pre-season testing before a limited FP1 outing in China prior to being withdrawn.
Regulatory Concerns Over Halo Components
Ferrari also plans modifications to specialized winglets positioned ahead of the Halo structure's base. These elements ran during both Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying sessions in Shanghai but were removed before the race due to potential legality issues concerning their composite material construction.
The team faces critical timing decisions regarding which experimental features will actually compete at Miami. Given the Sprint format's reduced practice allocation, Ferrari's willingness to implement untested components would signal considerable confidence in their performance benefits.
The comprehensive upgrade represents Ferrari's most significant development push since the season opener as they attempt to establish themselves as genuine challengers to Mercedes' early-season supremacy.
Source: Motorsport Week