FERRARI DOES NOT STOP: MORE SF-26 UPGRADES PLANNED FOR THE SECOND HALF OF 2026
Ferrari is preparing another series of upgrades for the SF-26 as the 2026 Formula 1 season enters its second half. After the summer break, the Scuderia plans to continue developing the car instead of focusing only on the 2027 project.
The first major step is expected at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort. Ferrari is reportedly preparing a new floor designed to increase downforce and improve the car’s stability through the corners. The update will build on the floor introduced with the Barcelona package and is aimed at expanding the operating window of the SF-26.
At Monza, Ferrari is expected to bring a specific low-drag aerodynamic configuration for the Italian Grand Prix. The package will be designed for the long straights of the circuit, where reducing drag is particularly important for top speed and energy efficiency.
The Monza weekend could also mark the introduction of Ferrari’s second 2026 power unit development under the ADUO system. Motorsport.com has reported that a new turbocharger is being prepared for after the summer break, with the aim of improving the efficiency of the power unit and helping Ferrari reduce its performance gap to the leading engines.
Ferrari was already granted additional development opportunities under ADUO after the FIA’s first performance assessment of the 2026 engines. The system allows manufacturers that fall sufficiently behind the leading ICE to introduce additional homologated power-unit developments. These can include changes to the turbo, ICE, ERS and other components allowed by the regulations.
The development plan does not end at Monza. A further major aerodynamic package is reportedly being prepared for the autumn, with Ferrari continuing to work on improving the overall efficiency of the SF-26.
At the same time, Maranello has already started work on the completely new power-unit architecture required for the 2027 regulations. Ferrari therefore has to balance its remaining 2026 development with preparations for the next generation of Formula 1 engines.
With several upgrades still planned, Ferrari is clearly choosing to continue pushing the SF-26 rather than abandoning the 2026 project early. The size of the gains from Zandvoort and Monza will be important in determining whether the Scuderia can turn its recent progress into a serious challenge for Mercedes during the second half of the season.
Share this content:
