Ferrari tests radical 'upside-down' rear wing concept in Bahrain

Ferrari has introduced a radical new rear wing concept on its SF-26 during testing in Bahrain, one that physically flips the upper element 180 degrees upside down on straights to drastically reduce drag. The innovative design, tested by Lewis Hamilton, pushes the boundaries of the new active aero regulations and could provide a crucial top-speed advantage in the energy-conscious 2026 season.

Why it matters:

In an era where managing electrical energy and battery deployment is paramount, straight-line efficiency is a critical performance differentiator. Ferrari's extreme approach to reducing drag could unlock significant lap time, especially if paired with other high-downforce, high-drag components like their new exhaust wing. This move signals an aggressive and creative interpretation of the rules that could force rivals to rethink their own aerodynamic solutions.

The details:

• The wing's upper flap rotates a full 180 degrees on straights, positioning it upside down compared to its conventional downforce-generating angle for corners.
• This action aims not just to reduce drag but potentially generate slight lift, while also decreasing tire rolling resistance—a compounding effect for higher top speed.
• The design is fully legal under the 2026 active aero rules, which specify a transition time (under 400ms) but not a limit on how far the flap can rotate backward.
• It appears to be part of a broader aero package that includes an innovative exhaust wing unveiled earlier, which increases downforce but may add drag, making the straight-line efficiency of the flip-wing even more valuable.

What's next:

The upside-down wing remains a test item for now, and Ferrari must validate its reliability and overall performance contribution before committing to a race debut. Its emergence has undoubtedly captured the paddock's attention, and other teams will be analyzing its potential closely. If successful, this concept could represent a clever loophole exploitation that redefines how teams approach the trade-off between downforce and drag, setting a new development direction for the grid.