The solution developed by Ferrari will be banned in 2027.

      The Ferrari SF-26 features a number of interesting solutions, the peculiarity of which is that they are either difficult to copy or completely impossible, as it would require redesigning almost the entire chassis. In particular, the car from Maranello has a unique rear layout, which allowed for the addition of an extra rectangular element behind the exhaust outlet, resembling a small wing. At Scuderia, it was given the abbreviation FTM, and we discussed its dual purpose: on straights, it helps reduce the effectiveness of the rear wing while simultaneously creating an area of negative pressure behind the diffuser.

      On one hand, this solution did not contradict the technical regulations; on the other, the FIA paid special attention to it. Rivals could not copy it, as doing so would require re-homologating a whole range of chassis components, but they found a way to implement their developments based on a similar principle. Although the federation did not object to such solutions, they decided to put an end to experiments in this area, fearing that they would take increasingly extreme forms, leading to another stage of the "upgrade race."

      After a series of discussions among the technical directors of the teams, the FIA agreed to amend several provisions of the technical regulations, and starting from the next season, any solutions that involve exhaust gases interacting with the rear wing of the car will be banned. Therefore, it will be prohibited to place any additional elements around the exhaust pipe whose diameter exceeds that of the pipe itself by more than 20 mm. Moreover, in 2027, it will be completely forbidden to install any special supports, braces, or brackets that are supposedly mounting points for the exhaust pipe.

      Interestingly, during the first Friday practice at the Red Bull Ring, Dino Beganovich, a driver from Ferrari's youth program, piloted the SF-26, around which such dual-purpose elements were no longer present. For now, the task is to gather as much information as possible about the car's behavior in this configuration, which Scuderia can use on tracks where the aerodynamic package is tuned for low downforce. However, the ban on such solutions may also have its advantages: in theory, this achieves a reduction in back pressure of the exhaust gases, which leads to a decrease in power of about 10 kW.