Ferrari may already have to change their 2027 car as the FIA consider significant rule change

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Ferrari could be hit hard by the FIA as they consider major rule changes to aerodynamics in 2027, so much so that the team may have to redesign their car.

Under the new technical regulations, Ferrari have strong potential, with the Prancing Horse finishing on the podium in every race but the Miami GP in 2026.

The Maranello outfit are having trouble with their power unit, with Ferrari’s ‘crazy’ engine design costing them 10 horsepower to Mercedes by raising the temperature at which air flows. But what they lack in power, they make up for in aerodynamic gains.

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Ferrari’s SF-26 has been heavily focused on aero and producing more downforce, with radical innovations such as the Macarena wing hoping to improve performance in other areas.

Another design has been the Flick Tail Mode, or FTM, which ‘significantly increases the extraction of airflow from the diffuser and makes the rear wing more efficient’, as per Motorsport Italia. But the FIA are considering a ban on this innovation.

FIA exhaust wing ban could mean Ferrari have to change their 2027 car

While the exhaust plug does lose Ferrari between 5-7 horsepower, the FTM produces ‘at least half a second’, giving the team a significant aerodynamic advantage and thus greatly improves the car’s performance.

Seeing the benefits of this device, ‘everyone’ is now looking to copy Ferrari’s work, and it is not the direction that the FIA want to take with the regulations.

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The governing body are exploring banning exhaust wings from 2027, with Ferrari set to be hit hard by the rule changes if they are brought into effect.

As per a report from Motorsport Technology, Craig Scarborough says the FTM system is likely to remain ‘legal’ in 2026, but it could be banned in 2027 if the FIA go ahead with their plan to ban exhaust wings.

This would ‘penalise’ Ferrari, to the point where they may have to make changes to the design of the 2027 car ‘that had already been started’, as per Motorsport Italia’s report.

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FIA’s 2027 aerodynamic proposals would be damaging to Ferrari

With the SF-26 being so focused on aero, the FIA’s 2027 rule changes would be a nightmare for Ferrari. They are also planning on reducing downforce levels, which would nullify any innovation or advantage that the team have found in 2026.

It would emphasise the need to shift attention to improving the engine and the overall power of the car to catch the frontrunners.

In fact, the Italians are starting to head in that direction. Ferrari are working on two engine upgrades under F1’s ADUO system, which are hoped to reduce the deficit to Mercedes.