Hamilton Debuts Ferrari's 2026 Active Aero at Fiorano Shakedown

Lewis Hamilton offered the world its first glimpse of Formula 1's future during Ferrari's 2026 shakedown at Fiorano. The seven-time champion took to the track in the new machine before handing over to Charles Leclerc, notably engaging the new active aerodynamics system on camera—a first for the next generation of cars.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulations represent a radical shift in philosophy, moving away from passive aerodynamics to active systems designed to manage the increased power of the new hybrid engines. Seeing these movable wings in action provides the first tangible evidence of how the sport intends to solve overtaking difficulties and sets the visual standard for the next era of competition.

The details:

• First Look: While other teams like Audi, Cadillac, and Mercedes conducted their own shakedowns, Ferrari was the first to showcase the active aero in motion, with footage capturing Hamilton's installation laps.
• Front Wing Mechanics: Unlike the current static wings, the 2026 front wing elements physically drop down when activated. This movement is designed to actively adjust downforce levels rather than relying solely on flow structures.
• Rear Wing Operation: The rear wing retains a familiar concept for now, acting similarly to the traditional DRS by opening a slot gap to reduce drag on straights.
• Driver Rotation: Hamilton completed his running duties before Leclerc took over for his allotted time at the team's private test track.

Looking Ahead:

As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how teams exploit these active aero rules to gain a competitive edge. Ferrari's early visibility suggests confidence in their package, but the true test will come when these systems are pushed to their limits in official pre-season testing.