The reasons behind Ferrari's US GP upgrades
Ferrari's latest clutch of updates for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix feature a unique approach to the 'fingers' situated at the front edge of the floor, although both drivers have played down the significance of the new parts. The SF-26 has also been given a minor rework to the sidepods, with a small change to the inlet and the undercut to link up with a minor change to the floor board.
At Scuderia Ferrari, Fred Vasseur's engineering group in Maranello has prioritized mechanical traction, curb-riding compliance, and straight-line efficiency—critical factors as Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton target consistent podium execution and Constructors' prize points. From a race-strategy standpoint, thermal and mechanical tire degradation remain the primary performance differentiators: teams that keep carcass temperatures inside the sweet spot can extend their opening stint by 3 to 5 laps and neutralize rival undercut attempts. Reporting originally surfaced via autosport.com, and our Apex Daily Paddock Desk has broken down the sporting, technical, and championship context below so you have the complete picture in under two minutes.
- Immediate On-Track & Setup Impact: Formula 1 engineering teams must balance single-lap qualifying warm-up against Sunday afternoon race-stint thermal management, where even a 0.15-second per lap swing alters pit-stop windows.
- Championship & Concorde Prize Stakes: Every point scored or dropped directly impacts the Drivers' title fight and the ~$1.25 billion Constructors' Championship prize pool, alongside next season's wind-tunnel testing allocation.
- What to Watch Next on the Schedule: Watch how teams adapt their run plans in Friday Free Practice, Saturday Qualifying, and Sunday's Grand Prix broadcast live on ESPN, ABC, and F1 TV Pro.
Across the wider Formula 1 paddock, this development connects directly to several active storylines on the Apex Daily wire: read our full briefing on Oscar Piastri reveals unexpected upside of being out of F1 title fight, plus Lando Norris questions Charles Leclerc's Brazilian GP penalty: "Just racing", and Max Verstappen names the one condition that would make him retire from F1. For deeper technical context, explore our original F1 Points System & Prize Money Calculator →.
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Formula 1 sessions broadcast live in the US on ESPN, ABC, and F1 TV Pro. Full US CST/EST TV Guide → · Formula 1 Standings & Hub →