Will Buxton thinks Ferrari have found a ‘silver bullet’ with new 180-degree rear wing innovation

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Ferrari’s new rear wing could be the difference-maker for them in the 2026 F1 season, if all goes well.

Ferrari’s performance testing proved to be a real eyebrow-raiser, as they managed to put up one of the fastest outings in Bahrain.

While Ferrari’s power unit wasn’t as fast as Mercedes’, a big highlight was seeing just how rapid the car was down the straights.

Aston Martin are currently facing a 38kph deficit to Ferrari’s engine! Do you think they’ll even QUALIFY for the Australian Grand Prix?!

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Behind this boost of speed was Ferrari’s new rear wing, which can be flipped in a 180-degree manner to reduce drag in straight mode.

And if this rear wing can be employed effectively, it could allow them to gain a significant edge over all other teams this season.

READ MORE: Tom Clarkson has seen signs that Ferrari’s ‘culture of fear’ has disappeared during 2026 testing

Will Buxton believes rotating rear wing could be Ferrari’s ace

While speaking on the SPEED Podcast, Will Buxton discussed Ferrari’s new rear wing, which they showcased at testing, and what difference it makes under the new regulations.

Given its uniqueness, Buxton believes the rear wing will be difficult to replicate for other teams, and its success could give Ferrari a massive edge this season.

“Day one, they’ve got this extra winglet… Which is exhaust-blown. Very, very smart. It’s well within the regulations. The little winglet is another thing,” Buxton said.

“It gives them a little bit of extra downforce through the corners. That’s great, but it’ll give them drag down the straights. Day 2, they turn up with this wing… What Ferrari have done is not just open the wing, but flipping it. The second test, it flips 180. You’re not just reducing drag, you’re creating lift.

“That secondary wing by the exhaust is then creating a little bit of downforce just to balance it out because you don’t want to lift the rear tyres off the ground.

“It’s so smart. It’s very, very difficult to replicate now for all of the other teams. If Ferrari have found something, that could be the silver bullet. With a new set of regulations, one team is going to find something.”

Read More: Lewis Hamilton told he can ‘complete the package’ at Ferrari with new race engineer in 2026

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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New regulations could be exactly what Lewis Hamilton needs to succeed

Speaking further about Ferrari’s success, Buxton added that the rear wing, combined with the new regulations, have helped them create a car perfect for Lewis Hamilton.

“The way these cars drive. Much looser at the rear. We’ve seen cars four-wheel drifting in testing. That’s a car that Lewis Hamilton loves.”

Despite the boost the new rear wing gives the cars, Ferrari are shelving the wing to start the season, and will opt to bring it back later in the year.

While there are no concerns about the legality of their 180-degree innovations, Ferrari are still opting to be careful and use the repurposed DRS flap to start the year.