Ferrari 499P Gets Major Aero Changes
Ferrari's 499P Hypercar receives significant aero changes via 2026 windtunnel re-homologation for WEC competition, plus a new livery reveal for the #83 car that won Le Mans last year with Robert Kubica. The modifications aim to improve the car's competitiveness in the hypercar class.
The aerodynamic adjustments to the Ferrari 499P for the 2026 season are a direct result of the FIA's mandatory switch to the Windshear wind tunnel in North Carolina for homologation, replacing the previously used Sauber facility in Switzerland. This required Ferrari to "re-position" the car within the defined aerodynamic performance window, necessitating several visible modifications to its bodywork. Rather than using one of its limited performance "Evo jokers," Ferrari opted to make these changes as part of the re-homologation process. Key modifications include a noticeable reduction in the size of the dive planes, or 'flicks', on the front bumper and tweaks to the underfloor's flow deviation mechanisms to adjust the car's balance. Further aerodynamic tuning involves the removal of some Gurney flaps above the wheels, which have been replaced with more integrated aerodynamic surfaces. Towards the rear, the engine cover has been redesigned, eliminating a large Gurney flap that was present on the trailing edge in the previous specification. To compensate for these changes and optimize airflow, the 2026-spec 499P features a significantly larger Gurney flap on the rear-wing endplates. Additionally, the sidewall area located behind the rear wheels has been redesigned to better manage airflow and enhance overall aerodynamic efficiency. The #83 car, which secured a historic privateer victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2025, will feature an updated version of its distinctive yellow "Giallo Modena" livery. This win was significant as Robert Kubica and Yifei Ye became the first drivers from Poland and China, respectively, to claim an overall victory at the legendary endurance race. For the 2026 season, the winning driver lineup of Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye, and Phil Hanson will remain with the #83 AF Corse-run car. They will compete against a packed Hypercar field that includes major manufacturers like Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Peugeot, and Toyota.
