Ferrari bring 'aggressive' early update to China Grand Prix in blow to Mercedes

Ferrari are reportedly set to bring an aggressive update to this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Last weekend, the 2026 Formula 1 campaign began with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Ferrari star Charles Leclerc got off to the perfect start as he went from P4 to P1 after a brilliant launch.

Eventually, Leclerc finished third behind Mercedes duo Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Meanwhile, Leclerc's teammate, Lewis Hamilton, finished in fourth place.

Ahead of this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, it has been claimed by GP Fans that Ferrari are set to introduce aggressive updates to the SF-26.

In addition, Italian news outlet Autoracer have stated that Ferrari are bringing three specs of their eye-catching rear wing to Shanghai.

During testing in Bahrain, Ferrari shocked the F1 paddock by introducing an upside-down wing on Lewis Hamilton's car.

It was spotted that Ferrari had flipped the rear wing of the SF-26 in a bid to reduce drag.

Sam Collins analysing Ferrari’s active aero:

“Ferrari have discovered something quite clever in the regulations, I feel. It doesn’t specify that the wing has to be mounted the right way up when active aero is deployed.”

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— deni (@fiagirly) February 19, 2026

F1's Technical Analyst Sam Collins said: "The upper element of the rear wing, you can see it clearly when it goes back to corner mode, the wing has fully rotated around.

"Ferrari have discovered something quite clever in the regulations, it doesn't specify the wing has to mounted the right way up when the active aero is deployed."

Labelled as the 'Macarena' by team boss Fred Vasseur, it is believed that the spec going to China is the first FIA validated version.

By the time the Canadian Grand Prix comes around in May, it is expected that Ferrari will have a more evolved version.

Speaking after the Australian Grand Prix, Vasseur said: "The goal is to work harder and more intensely than the others, hurry up and get to Mercedes as soon as possible. We’ll have updates soon. Already in China? Difficult, only a week to go.”

The Chinese Grand Prix will also be the first Sprint weekend of the 2026 campaign.