When Fred Vasseur arrived at Ferrari, he immediately sensed a culture of risk aversion holding the team back. That push for bolder thinking is now visible on track with the SF-26, featuring innovations like a rear wing that rotates 180 degrees and a unique exhaust vane dubbed the FTM.
An Innovative Car That Turns Heads
During pre-season testing in Bahrain, the SF-26 stole the spotlight. The so-called "Macarena wing" isn't just a gimmick; it rotates 180 degrees between cornering and straight-line modes. The idea was later adopted by Red Bull and McLaren, though Ferrari claims their version is more refined because it was integrated with the rear end from the start.
That innovation is no coincidence. Vasseur revealed that from day one, he pushed the team to take more risks, both on track and in development. "We have to take a different direction compared to the others, not to follow them," he said in an exclusive interview with Motorsport.com.
A Cultural Shift Across the Board
The change goes beyond car design. Vasseur wants to eliminate the blame culture that has historically hampered Ferrari. He believes that by daring to try new things—even if they sometimes fail—the team will sharpen its decision-making. "Sometimes you are a genius, sometimes not, but we are the same guys on the pitwall," he explained.
Results have been mixed so far. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have both won races, but there have also been moments where aggressive strategies backfired. Still, Vasseur is confident that the longer the team embraces this mentality, the better their instincts will become.
With the grid tighter than ever, small gains everywhere can make the difference between pole and sixth. Ferrari now looks more willing to lead innovation rather than follow. The question is whether this boldness will finally deliver a championship. The 2026 season will be the true test.
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