Ferrari to bring fourth and final major aero upgrade to Austin as focus turns to 2027
Ferrari will introduce a redesigned floor and new bodywork on the SF-26 at the United States GP, their last big update of 2026. They are second in the constructors' table.
Ferrari will bring what they call their fourth and final major aerodynamic package of the 2026 season to the United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. The upgrade is built around a redesigned floor, and the team hopes it will add downforce and improve the balance of the SF-26.
Ferrari are second in the constructors' championship with 444 points, 134 behind leaders Mercedes on 578. With six rounds left, the Austin package is the last big development step before attention moves to the 2027 car.
What is changing
According to Grande Premio, the new floor runs from the leading edge to the diffuser. Ferrari have also revised the sidepods, bodywork and cooling outlets, with the aim of cutting drag and improving airflow.
The changes refine the existing SF-26 concept rather than replacing it. Ferrari are expected to judge the upgrade during Friday's practice sessions.
Mexico plan
More changes are planned for the Mexico City Grand Prix on 1 November. Altitude there reduces cooling efficiency, so Ferrari plan circuit-specific bodywork and cooling layouts for that race.
Ferrari's season so far
Ferrari have won two races this year. Lewis Hamilton won at Barcelona-Catalunya and Charles Leclerc won the British Grand Prix. Leclerc was second in Singapore on 11 October, where Hamilton finished sixth.
In the drivers' standings Hamilton is third on 229 points and Leclerc fifth on 215. Hamilton trails second-placed George Russell by nine points (238). Verstappen sits between the two Ferrari drivers on 221.
The weekend ahead
The United States GP runs from 23 to 25 October. The race is 56 laps on Sunday. There are three practice sessions, qualifying on Saturday and no sprint, so teams have only limited track time to understand new parts.
Ferrari are well clear of McLaren (339) and Red Bull (332) in the table, so the upgrade is more about finishing the year strongly and gathering data than defending second place.
Key takeaways
- Ferrari's Austin package is their fourth and final major aero update of 2026.
- The main change is a redesigned floor, plus revised sidepods and cooling outlets.
- Further cooling-focused changes are planned for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
- Ferrari are second on 444 points, 134 behind Mercedes.
FAQ
Q: What is Ferrari bringing to Austin? A redesigned floor, revised sidepods, bodywork and cooling outlets for the SF-26, aimed at more downforce and better balance.
Q: Is it Ferrari's last upgrade of the season? It is their last major aerodynamic package. Smaller circuit-specific changes are planned for Mexico City.
Q: How many races has Ferrari won in 2026? Two: Hamilton at Barcelona-Catalunya and Leclerc at the British Grand Prix.
Sources: Grande Premio, Wikipedia, RacingNews365, GRANDPRIX247