Bahrain test data shows Ferrari’s extra exhaust flap benefit with significant tyre wear gains

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Ferrari made significant improvements with their tyre wear across the two pre-season tests in Bahrain thanks to the introduction of a flap that blankets half of their exhaust.

The Scuderia caught the eye in Sakhir last week after unveiling a big flap attached to the rear crash structure on the SF-26. Ferrari initially designed the plate to boost the efficiency of the rear diffuser and rear wing on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s car for the 2026 season.

Ferrari needed special approval from the FIA for the exhaust flap, and also had to design the gearbox for their 2026 car with the flap in mind to ensure that it satisfies the regulations. The differential had to be as far back as possible so that the flap is within 60mm of the rear axle.

A few rival F1 aero designers believe Ferrari’s exhaust flap offers a net gain, as it should help the Maranello squad improve the performance of their rear diffuser but any gains may have a detrimental effect on their rear wing. But Ferrari also found additional positives in Bahrain.

Ferrari ‘significantly’ improved their tyre wear after introducing their exhaust flap in Bahrain

According to Motorsport.com, data from the second Bahrain pre-season test also revealed Ferrari’s exhaust flap gave the additional benefit of ‘significantly’ improving their tyre wear compared to the first test. The SF-26 also became more stable in the middle of the corners.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about F1’s 2026 engine and aero regulations

Ferrari’s tyre wear through the first week of testing in Bahrain ‘was not extraordinary’, but it was far better once Leclerc and Hamilton trialled the exhaust flap. It is also only the start for the pride of Italy, as they are now focused on designing ‘extreme’ aero upgrades this season.

The Scuderia believe bold aero concepts could help deal with any advantage that Mercedes’ engine could afford the Silver Arrows until the FIA implements the proposed changes to the F1 engine tests in August. So, Ferrari intend to build on the exhaust flap revealed in Bahrain.

Ferrari are leveraging their engine and small turbo to improve their aero efficiency

Ferrari set the fastest overall lap time at both pre-season tests for the first time since 2019!

What do you believe is possible for Ferrari in 2026?

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Ferrari’s exhaust flap is just one way that the Scuderia now intend to ‘leverage’ their engine to improve the aero efficiency of their car. The small turbocharger in their engine also helps the Scuderia keep their V6 unit even at low revs to increase the flow of their exhaust gases.

The small turbo in Ferrari’s new engine gained a lot of attention after Hamilton’s rapid starts at the Bahrain test. Although some F1 engineers feel Ferrari’s small turbo could cause issues at power-sensitive tracks such as Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps and possibly also Monza.

Ruth Buscombe also believes Ferrari are trying to help Hamilton with their new rear diffuser revealed in Bahrain, alongside their exhaust flap. The Scuderia have integrated a central flap and two extensions on the edges of their rear diffuser to further manage their rear air flow.