Ferrari prepares major Austin upgrade: new floor and aerodynamic changes

Ferrari’s Austin upgrade is expected to be its final major development package of the 2026 season, arriving for the United States Grand Prix. The expected changes to the SF-26 target more downforce, improved balance and greater setup flexibility for Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

According to Motorsport.com, the centrepiece of the package is a new floor expected to make its debut at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. It will mark the fourth significant development step for the car this season and one of Ferrari’s final opportunities to improve its performance substantially before resources shift towards the 2027 project.

Ferrari’s Austin upgrade: new floor and greater setup freedom

The engineers aim to deliver the same level of downforce, or more, while allowing Ferrari to run a softer suspension setup. The intention is to widen the SF-26’s operating window and reduce the need for extreme settings to extract its maximum performance.

In practical terms, this means more options when seeking the right compromise between aerodynamics and the car’s mechanical behaviour. That flexibility is one of the main benefits Ferrari hopes to gain from the upgrade.

Better balance for Leclerc and Hamilton

According to The Race’s analysis, Ferrari is also addressing an aerodynamic balance that remains too heavily biased towards the front axle. The new floor is intended to improve the distribution of downforce between the front and rear of the car.

For Leclerc and Hamilton, the potential benefit is a more predictable car and greater confidence when attacking corners. The actual improvement will depend on how closely the new components match expectations once they are running on track.

Sidepods are also part of the development programme

Ferrari is preparing changes to the sidepods and bodywork as well. However, the package could be introduced in stages. Motorsport.com reports that some of these components might only arrive in Mexico, a week after the Austin race. The new floor therefore remains the main expected highlight of the United States weekend.

The final major development opportunity of the season

The Race reports that work on the SF-26 after this package will focus mainly on adaptations for individual circuits. Ferrari has also been using its development work and windtunnel testing to explore solutions for its next car.

That gives the Texas weekend extra significance. Ferrari will be looking for evidence that its technical development can translate into a sustained improvement in performance. If the Austin upgrade makes the car better balanced and easier to set up, Leclerc and Hamilton will have a stronger platform from which to attack the final part of the season.

Explore our Formula 1 news and analysis for more from the Austin weekend.

Sources: Motorsport.com, The Race.