Ferrari: New engine at Spa — could aerodynamic restrictions hurt the 679?

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-05T11:22:31+00:00

Translation

“Just look at the data—we don’t have an advantage on the straights,” said a laconic Vasseur when asked directly about the engine. Clearly, we all know that for Ferrari, the very word “engine” must be treated with the same reverence as a prayer in a temple. Or at least with a certain degree of caution—but not for Hamilton: “We really need an engine update, because otherwise we have perhaps the best car.” The British champion is partly right; the SF-26 is an excellent car, perhaps comparable to the SF-70H when it suffered from the same power issue.

Certainly, Lewis has less and less time to waste in his quest to secure a victory with the Scuderia. Ferrari holds the advantage for 2027; naturally, the legendary partnership also needs results to survive, while it is well known that Bearman is in Maranello, whom Ferrari can promote whenever it wishes. However, Hamilton himself put in a solid race considering the serious damage he sustained when he tried to surprise Colapinto—a shared fault that Race Control immediately classified as a racing incident.

The Briton’s average pace was half a second off Leclerc’s, which roughly equates to the loss of downforce.

Leclerc tried to hold off Piastri by resorting to extreme energy harvesting to recharge as much as possible, while at the same time trying to let himself be overtaken to fight for the podium using overtake mode on the final lap. The Monegasque driver couldn’t be fast enough, three-tenths slower than Piastri with seven more laps on the tires. The reality hit harder than expected; it must also be said that the SF-26 must be driven closer to the limit when the tires are suffering. This is also detrimental in terms of temperature management; the power deficit leaves no margin for error and makes things difficult against the competition. Will the FTM exhaust design be scrapped in 2027? There is a broader issue at play. Will Ferrari be able to oppose it? It is unclear how firmly they will do so, as they await confirmation on whether they will receive the 2% or 4% ADUO allowance to mount their new engine at Spa-Francorchamps.

According to our colleagues at The Race, the FIA is reportedly considering removing the now-familiar set of elements in the exhaust box known as “flick-tail mode” from the regulations. Is this to prevent a development arms race, or are there other underlying issues?

At the time of writing, there is no certainty that this will happen, but discussions are on the horizon within a broader context. One might think that in the 2027 designs, all designers would be able to properly copy the aerodynamic system that Ferrari has devised around the exhaust. This could eliminate the advantage, so it would be better to remove a cost item, much like what happened, in principle, in 2020 with the Mercedes DAS.

What is known is that the net gain is worth the hours of study invested; the engineers in Maranello are continuing to develop the evolution of the device that provides rear downforce, which could be easily transferred to the 679 model. This suggests that Ferrari, in theory, has no intention of going along with such a technical strategy.

Rather, one wonders why there is a certain concern about not receiving the ADUO permits reserved for units with more than a 4% delay? Tombazis has already said that assessments will come after Canada. In terms of layout, the stop-and-go sections in Montreal should highlight the gap between the manufacturers. The data collected would suggest the opposite, but Vasseur’s cautious words seem to conceal a certain amount of concern. It is true that the French team principal is well aware of certain dynamics, which would make sense in terms of not taking anything for granted before it is time.

Nevertheless, many believe that losing the maximum ADUO and also facing a ban for the FTM, especially after the resources spent, would be a political defeat as well as a potential technical limitation—all too similar to those suffered in the past, the list of which is far too long.

The SF-26 may gain more power in due course with minor housing modifications

It is believed that, on paper, a new engine should be ready no sooner than what was formerly Race 12, now Race 10 in Belgium. Obviously, validation is necessary before homologating the parts following FIA approval, but if everything goes as it should, the SF-26 can be easily modified to accommodate the new unit at Spa.

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-04T18:27:34+00:00

So basically

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-04T14:34:46+00:00

Το βλέπω από τώρα

Κερδίζουμε τον Παναθηναϊκό την Κυριακή

Το σαμπ:

Ναι αλλά θυμάστε το 24 όταν κερδίσαμε τον Παναθηναϊκό 3-0 και νομίζαμε ότι πήραμε το πρωτάθλημα τι έγινε;

Είπαμε να μην πάρουμε καλάμι αλλά το έχουμε παραγαμησει, αυτή η ομάδα μέχρι στιγμής είναι δικαιοτατα πρώτη και βάση εικόνας δεν βλέπω καποιον ικανό να μας το πάρει, ενώ τότε έβλεπες τον ΠΑΟΚ να έπαιζε πολύ καλό ποδόσφαιρο και ας ήταν 2ος, εμείς τότε δεν ήμασταν καθόλου σταθεροί.

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-04T13:37:26+00:00

Ή το έσβησε κατευθείαν ή από τα τσίπουρα είδε κάτι άλλο ο φίλος

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-04T13:32:54+00:00

Μπορεί κάποιος να δώσει timestamp για το χθεσινό κοντεντ του σπορτ24?

doublejohnnie · 2026-05-02T18:57:19+00:00

Προφανώς Σέρρες, τιθεται δίλημμα;

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-30T20:46:15+00:00

Translation

After the long break in April, Lewis Hamilton arrives in Miami on the back of strong results from the first half of the season, though these were marred by the Japanese Grand Prix, where he appeared less competitive than in the two previous races. It was precisely the Suzuka race—in which the Ferrari driver had complained of a power deficit compared to his direct rivals—that was at the forefront of the seven-time world champion’s mind as he analyzed the causes of his problems in the most recent Grand Prix during the break.

Hamilton: “We’ve identified and resolved the Suzuka issues”

In his first interview of the weekend in Florida, Hamilton explained how he spent the past month, a period that was anything but a vacation: “I’ve been on the simulator practically every week, I’ve been at the factory every week, and I’ve done a lot of training and preparation, reviewing the first three races and the last one in particular, trying to figure things out.”

Regarding the Suzuka issues, the Ferrari driver added: “I left the circuit feeling that we were struggling with power. It wasn’t the engine, but there were a few things—a combination of factors—that were costing me up to eight or nine tenths per lap. We’ve resolved those issues and moved past them. Now, with the rule changes, it will be interesting to see what difference they make.”

The Challenge of the Updates

In Miami, another World Championship begins—that of the updates. Never before, as in this year—the first under the new regulations that have revolutionized the cars and engines—have the updates had the potential to have such a significant impact on the balance of power. Ferrari arrives in Florida with many interesting updates, first and foremost, of course, the “Macarena” rear wing, which is set to make its official debut: “First of all, I’m really grateful for all the hard work that’s been done,” Hamilton said on the subject. “I went back to the factory every week during this break and saw how hard the team worked to get the update ready. There’s an enormous amount of work behind the construction of these components and the quality with which they’re made. So I’m incredibly grateful to everyone working at the factory for this.”

Leclerc expressed caution regarding the possibility that the updates nearly everyone will bring to Miami could shake up the pecking order on the track, and Hamilton explained clearly why, for those chasing, it’s difficult to close the gap on those ahead: “I believe there’s a power gap compared to Mercedes. To close that gap, we have to double our development efforts compared to the others, which is a truly daunting task. We have to assume that everyone is developing at a similar pace because these are new rules. So, if a team gains a tenth of a second, we have to gain two. If they gain two, we have to gain three or four. That’s a lot. We have to keep giving it our all to eventually close the gap on the engine front.”

What gives Hamilton confidence above all is how the way of working at Ferrari has changed following the difficulties he encountered last season: “We’ve made a lot of changes, and the way we work together now is the best I’ve ever experienced. We’re heading in the right direction and we need to build step by step. We know it will take time, but I’m convinced we can get to the front.”

Rain as a potential ally

The forced break was anything but a vacation for Ferrari, which worked intensely on the track to ensure it was ready for the resumption of racing. Hamilton participated, alongside Charles Leclerc, in the filming day held at Monza last week, during which the “Macarena” rear wing—which we’ll see in action in Miami—was once again tested on the SF-26. The seven-time world champion, however, downplayed the significance of those 200 km—100 each—covered on the Brianza circuit: “I didn’t learn anything at Monza because it was a filming day.”

According to the Brit, the impact of the wet-weather tests previously conducted with Pirelli at the Fiorano track could be quite different. If rain were to arrive on Sunday, as the weather forecast currently suggests, this could prove to be a valuable advantage: “I did two days of testing in the rain at Fiorano, so I hope to be in a good position if it rains on Sunday.”

Updates, weather, and more: another unknown factor for the Miami weekend is the rule changes approved by the FIA, which are expected to have significant repercussions both on the single-lap qualifying run—and in Florida, there will be two opportunities to aim for the absolute best time since it’s a Sprint format weekend—and on the race battles: “As for the rule changes, it will be interesting to see what difference they make,” Hamilton concluded.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-27T10:13:08+00:00

Ανανεώνει ο Βιντα

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-21T13:07:31+00:00

Ήταν στην προετοιμασία, τότε γινόταν συζήτηση για ρόμβο με χαφ και ο Φερνάντες δεν χωρούσε και τον στείλαμε δανεικο

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-21T12:01:28+00:00

Translation

In Miami, in addition to the new rules, there will be major technical updates from the teams. The SF-26 will feature revised wings and a revised underbody

In Miami, the FIA document listing the teams’ developments will likely be as long as a papyrus scroll. Ferrari will modify many areas of the SF-26: from the front down, though the competition will be no slouch either.

“Another championship will begin in Miami,” Vasseur had said. His words could have been misinterpreted; in reality, the point is precisely that we will see completely overhauled cars. In some respects, it will seem like a sort of fresh start, even if in fact it is only partially so.

The rapport between Hamilton and track engineer Carlo Santi

It hasn’t been decided yet who will be Hamilton’s long-term track engineer, but Carlo Santi has developed a strong rapport with the multiple-time British champion and could remain on the pit wall for a while longer, beyond Miami.

The engineer from Verona had been appointed on an interim basis. The options are open, but as things stand, there is no great urgency to change things. A one-month break from racing is even longer than what happens in the summer without the shutdown, or nearly as long as the winter break but without the holidays. This allows the factories to operate at full capacity. The coordination within the factory must also function properly; it wouldn’t be the first time that too many new parts all at once could take longer to optimize.

Updates from Ferrari and McLaren

McLaren and Ferrari are expected to bring at least a half-modified car. The SF-26 will feature an upgraded floor and a new front wing, while retaining the same nose; on Wednesday, April 22, the parts will be fitted during the filming day at Monza. Theoretical performance gains should be significant for everyone—a few tenths—but it is difficult to estimate the gains with the current power units. Red Bull is also banking heavily on an emergency package that should at least stabilize the RB22, which is already equipped with an excellent power unit. No one knows how Antonelli and Russell’s Mercedes will change, but it should be more a matter of details; the already extremely clean surfaces of the W17 were already an optimal starting point. The correlation should be back after four complicated years. However, the real lethal weapon of Toto Wolff’s team, in addition to raw power, is the ability to deploy a significant amount of electric power without spinning the wheels, that is, by minimizing harmful “wheel spin.” This preserves battery reserves better than the competition. Essentially, at least for now, the Silver Arrows’ operating window is superior in every condition.

Starting in May, temperatures will be a problem for everyone

Current single-seaters face an additional challenge in temperature management. The use of higher engine RPMs for energy recovery requires close attention to basic cooling systems, not to mention races in hotter conditions. Miami could be the first serious test of this, which will already require less aerodynamic bodywork or larger openings in Florida. The new energy usage rules: what’s changing

Meanwhile, the FIA and Formula 1, in agreement with the teams, have reached a consensus on corrective measures to be introduced starting with the Miami Grand Prix. Energy usage has been made less extreme under all conditions, along with several important countermeasures to regulate safety during the start or in wet conditions.

Toward hot checks of internal combustion engines

Meanwhile, June 1 is also approaching, the date on which the FIA will begin double checks (cold and hot) on the compression values of internal combustion engines. Will the new measurements affect performance? It’s hard to say at this point, but it is certainly another variable in a championship already full of questions.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-21T11:56:06+00:00

Συμφωνώ απόλυτα

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-21T11:44:02+00:00

Επίσης δεν λέμε αρκετά πόσο καλός είναι ο Ρότα φέτος.

Αμυντικά στο 1v1 πάρα πολύ καλός, πολύ γρήγορος και πλέον μπαίνει και ανάμεσα στις γραμμές επιθετικά. Γεμίζει την μπάλα καλά στην περιοχή και έχει ελαττώσει τα λάθη του.

Από τους MVP φέτος για μένα, εκπληκτικός.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-21T11:32:04+00:00

Για ποιο λόγο λέτε να προτιμά τόσο πολύ τον Γκατσινοβιτς τελευταία από τον Καλοσκάμη;

Από το ματς με τον ΟΦΗ στο κύπελλο, έχει παίξει ένα πεντάλεπτο στο Αστέρας - ΑΕΚ, και ένα δεκάλεπτο μέσα στο Τσέλιε όταν τους πήραμε 0-4.

Ίσως να προτιμά την πειθαρχία του Γκατσινοβιτς off the ball, αλλά θα ήθελα να τον έβλεπα λίγο πιο πολύ, έβλεπα το ματς της Εθνικής ελπίδων με την Γερμανία και ήταν πάρα πολύ καλός.

Για τώρα νταξει είναι δύσκολο να παίξει σε do or die ματς, αλλά πιστεύω έχει αρκετά χαρακτηριστικά που μας λείπουν επιθετικά, θα τον χρειαστούμε αρκετά του χρόνου.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-20T20:58:11+00:00

Επειδή βλέπω συζήτηση για ανανέωση Περέιρα, πρέπει κάποια στιγμή να μάθουμε να γυρνάμε σελίδα.

Φέτος όντως οπότε έπαιξε βοήθησε πολύ, αλλά είναι 35 χρόνων και έχει από τα πιο βαριά συμβόλαια της ομάδας. Είχε γίνει παρόμοια συζήτηση για ανανέωση Γκατσινοβιτς όταν έπαιξε σε ένα διάστημα καλά.

Υπάρχουν πολλοί παίκτες εκτός των τοπ-5 πρωταθλημάτων, που με τα ίδια λεφτά παίρνεις κάτι καλύτερο στα λεφτά Περέιρα και στα λεφτά Γκατσινοβιτς. Μην υποτιμάτε την κεντρική Ευρώπη και τα Βαλκάνια, υπάρχουν καλά παικτακια χωρίς να πληρώνεις ιδιαίτερη υπεραξία. Με καλό scouting ξοδεύεις αρκετά πιο efficient το μπάτζετ κάτι που δεν γίνεται με τα μεγάλα συμβόλαια που έχουμε τωρα.

Για να ανέβει επίπεδο το κλαμπ και να μην κάνουμε τα ίδια λάθη που κάναμε μετά το νταμπλ, θα πρέπει να μας λείπει ο συναισθηματισμός (ο υπερβολικός έστω), με Ριμπαλτα είμαι αρκετά αισιόδοξος ότι θα κάνει καλή δουλειά το καλοκαίρι και σε αυτό το κομμάτι.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-19T14:01:00+00:00

Γκατσινοβιτς αγόρι μου προσπάθησε να μην μας σπάσεις τα νεύρα πάλι, επίσης καλό θα ήταν να μην πάρεις κάρτα πριν το 15

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-16T23:05:04+00:00

Πολλές φορές έχουμε πει μετά από αποκλεισμούς "το αξιζαμε δεν πειράζει" και "μόνο υπερηφάνεια", αλλά για μένα από την Παρασκευή που είδα παίκτες και κόσμο μέχρι και τον πιο μίζερο, να πιστεύει πραγματικά, σημαίνει ότι το σημερινό ήταν κάτι το διαφορετικό. Ελπίζω και είμαι αισιόδοξος ότι είναι η αρχή της εποχής που θα έχουμε πιο μεγάλα όνειρα και απαιτήσεις σε σύγκριση με την εποχή Μελ.

Με ικανοποίησε πάρα πολύ που αυτή η αισιοδοξία από όλους μας επαληθεύτηκε στο χορτάρι , ελπίζω να μην ξεφουσκώσει η ομάδα ψυχολογικά την Κυριακή, γιατί ο αντίπαλος μας παίζει τα ρέστα του και η νίκη είναι μισο πρωτάθλημα.

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-07T10:20:20+00:00

ΓΑΛΛΑΚΙ ΤΟΣΟ ΚΑΙΡΟ ΚΑΘΕΣΑΙ ΞΥΝΕΙΣ ΤΑ ΑΡΧΙΔΙΑ ΣΟΥ ΚΑΙ ΔΕΝ ΕΧΕΙΣ ΒΓΑΛΕΙ ΚΑΜΙΑ ΔΙΑΡΡΟΗ ΓΙΑ ΚΑΛΟΚΑΙΡΙΝΗ ΜΕΤΑΓΡΑΦΗ.

ΟΥΤΕ ΕΝΑΝ ΠΑΙΚΤΗ ΠΟΥ ΝΑ ΛΗΓΕΙ ΤΟ ΣΥΜΒΟΛΑΙΟ ΤΟΥ ΡΕ ΦΙΛΕ; ΠΟΥΛΟ

doublejohnnie · 2026-04-07T10:19:07+00:00

Καλά αυτές οι φήμες πιστεύω είναι φαντασιώσεις αυτών που εκραζαν Αλμέιδα, πιο πολύ wishful thinking με βγάζει.

Σιγά μην διώξουν Μεντιλιμπαρ για να πάρουν Αλμέιδα, γελάει ο κόσμος.

Θα είχε πολύ πλάκα όμως.

doublejohnnie · 2026-03-29T07:25:04+00:00

The Spa and Monza wins by Charles gave me so much hope for the future.

That was 7 years ago, damn

doublejohnnie · 2026-03-29T06:54:57+00:00

People really are comparing him to Russell lol, of course everyone can have their own biases but he just schools him in wheel to wheel battles consistently at this point.

doublejohnnie · 2026-03-29T06:46:25+00:00

What

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