Source: Official Team Post via X
Ferrari Races to Equip Hamilton and Leclerc with COTA Upgrades
Ferrari is in a race against time to deliver crucial upgrades to Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc's cars for the United States Grand Prix. The team aims to enhance performance with new aero parts at the challenging Circuit of the Americas.
Ferrari is working at full speed in Maranello to ensure their latest upgrades make it to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in time for the United States Grand Prix. These updates are crucial for drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc as Formula 1 enters the second of three consecutive triple-headers to close out the 2026 season.
The challenge at hand is significant, with COTA’s demanding first sector providing a stern test under the new 2026 regulations. Historically, Ferrari has enjoyed some success at COTA, with Leclerc winning in 2024 and securing fourth place in 2025, while Hamilton finished fifth that same year. However, the new regulations mean that previous achievements may not translate directly into future success.
Ferrari is keen to debut a series of aerodynamic enhancements, focusing on the SF-26's performance in fast corners, notably in COTA's first sector. The upgrades include a new floor, sidepods, and radiator intakes, all designed under the guidance of chassis technical director Loic Serra. The Italian edition of Motorsport.com reports that the team is pushing to have these upgrades ready for COTA, though some components might not make it until the following race in Mexico City.
Wind tunnel tests have shown promise, suggesting a significant performance boost from the new floor and sidepods. These components have been approved in good time for the United States GP, though the sidepods might arrive late. Meanwhile, Hamilton and Leclerc are guaranteed to receive the updated floor, which is expected to provide more downforce, reduce drag, and broaden the car’s operating window.
Ferrari’s engineers have been simultaneously working on the SF-27 for 2027, recognizing that the SF-26 is nearing its performance limits. The latest upgrades aim to address the shortcomings of the ADUO2 engine update introduced at Monza, which fell short of expectations.
The upcoming races will test the SF-26's strengths against the improved Red Bull RB22 and Mercedes W17. It’s critical that Ferrari’s upgrades do not increase drag excessively, which would be a disadvantage on COTA’s long back straight and the high-altitude Mexico City GP. However, the Sao Paulo GP at Interlagos is less punishing on draggy aerodynamics, offering some relief if the upgrades lean too heavily towards downforce.
In the broader context of the drivers’ championship, the focus remains on who can achieve a full set of wins across all F1 circuits first: Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen. Both have yet to conquer three tracks on the 2027 calendar, adding another layer of intrigue as the season unfolds.
Ultimately, Ferrari’s rush to implement these upgrades is a testament to their commitment to staying competitive in the final races of the season. With the potential to improve their car’s performance significantly, the Scuderia hopes to end the season on a high note, providing both Hamilton and Leclerc with the tools they need to challenge at the front.