Ferrari is intensively working on the modernization of the SF-26.

      The unplanned April break in the championship is being used by the teams to summarize the initial results and based on this, they are modernizing their cars. Likely, the Ferrari SF-26 is the second fastest, while it clearly lags behind the Mercedes W17, primarily due to having a somewhat less efficient power unit.

      However, judging by the results of the Japanese Grand Prix, when McLaren is not hindered by technical problems, it is difficult for Scuderia to compete even with the drivers of the British team – Oscar Piastri did not accidentally take 2nd place in Suzuka.

      According to experts, the power difference between the Mercedes and Ferrari power units is about 20 hp, and in Maranello, they are confident that they will soon receive permission to modernize their engine based on the ADUO program (Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities).

      On April 9, the Formula 1 Commission will meet to discuss proposed adjustments to the regulations and to finally approve the period after which these "additional opportunities" will be available to teams whose power units lag behind the best (in this case, Mercedes) by more than 2%.

      The first period of the ADUO program is expected to come into effect after a quarter of the season, but the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were canceled. However, according to The Race, although there were two fewer races, Ferrari insists that the previous deadlines be maintained.

      On April 22, the Italian team will hold a filming day at Monza, where they will be able to cover 200 km, and Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will take turns driving the SF-26. Weather permitting, Scuderia will test most of the technical innovations that were planned for the first quarter of the championship.

      In particular, this concerns a more efficient version of the floor, which will increase downforce, and a number of other aerodynamic elements. Additionally, it is expected that at the Miami stage, the red cars will feature an improved cooling system and additional "winglets" on the Halo, tested during practice in China.

      Moreover, in Maranello, they are working to quickly create a modified version of the rear wing with an unusual design, which, when the straight mode is activated, rotates 180 degrees around its axis. It was initially planned for this wing to debut in Canada.

      Testing of the new wing, nicknamed "Macarena wing" in the paddock, began during the preseason tests in Bahrain, but it turned out that it caused the rear of the car to lose necessary stability, which was confirmed during practice in China. Based on the collected information, Maranello developed a modified version of the wing that should be lighter and more efficient.

      It is planned to test it in Monza, after which, i.e., after April 22, a decision will be made regarding the timing of its implementation, as well as some other aerodynamic elements that are expected to be presented in Miami.