The Race F1 Podcast Bahrain Testing Day 5: Ferrari showing promise - but will radical rear wing be a game-changer?
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Feb 19, 2026 
Gary Anderson, former F1 technical director and race engineer, breaks down radical aero and rule quirks. He explains Ferrari’s upside-down rear wing concept and how it compares to rivals. Short takes cover diffuser tricks, lower-power trials and what teams are learning ahead of the season. All in concise technical analysis and lively discussion.
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Smaller Turbo Improves Responsiveness
- Ferrari's smaller turbo and engine architecture have produced notably stronger corner exits and very repeatable, strong standing starts.
- That responsiveness reduces reliance on electric boost during initial exits and gives strategic advantages off the line.
Ferrari's Flip‑Top Wing Is Radical But Uncertain
- Ferrari ran an extreme rear-wing that rotates the flaps through ~225 degrees to flip them upside down when open, drawing big attention.
- Gary Anderson's simulations show it loses substantial downforce and creates lift‑related drag, so its net benefit is unclear.
FIA Has No Immediate Legal Issue
- The FIA raised no immediate legality concerns and encouraged drag‑reduction creativity under old DRS allowances.
- Gary warns the design pushes packaging limits and could prompt detailed CFD responses by rival teams.