Why did Ferrari remove the Halo mini wings at the Chinese GP?

Ferrari quietly withdrew its new halo-mounted winglets during the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix weekend following discussions with the FIA, opting for caution over confrontation despite having already run the parts on track.

FIA discussions prompt strategic retreat

Although there was no official statement explaining their disappearance, it is understood that conversations between Ferrari and the FIA raised questions over the team’s interpretation of the regulations.

A senior Ferrari source indicated that the winglets were considered "borderline" within the rules. With the potential risk of post-race complications — either from a firm FIA stance or a rival team protest — Ferrari judged that the marginal performance benefit was not worth the distraction or jeopardy.

The aerodynamic gain was said to be worth only a few hundredths of a second. In that context, prudence prevailed.

Talks are expected to continue in order to secure definitive clarity on legality before Ferrari decides whether to reintroduce the winglets at a future event.

Eye-catching upgrades in Shanghai

Ferrari arrived in China with two notable aerodynamic developments that attracted significant paddock attention.

"Flip-Flop" rear wing concept

At the rear, Ferrari trialled its innovative "flip-flop" upside-down rear wing concept for the first time on a race weekend. Both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc ran the configuration during free practice.

The design allows the upper rear wing element to rotate fully through 180 degrees when straight-line mode is activated. This configuration increases drag reduction and may even generate a degree of lift, potentially helping to reduce tyre rolling resistance.

However, Ferrari opted not to race the new rear wing after practice, feeling further understanding was required before committing to it in competitive sessions.

Halo mini wings

At the front of the car, Ferrari installed two small winglets on either side of the central halo mount. In its official FIA submission, the team described the addition as a "minor update," stating: "Not event specific, it simply returns a small aerodynamic load benefit."

The winglets appeared designed to better channel airflow around the cockpit area, improving downstream flow structures and contributing to overall aerodynamic efficiency.

Ferrari was sufficiently satisfied with their performance to retain them for the sprint event. However, their removal between the sprint and main qualifying ensured they would not feature in Sunday’s grand prix.

What triggered the FIA’s interest?

Both Ferrari cars had passed scrutineering after the sprint, making the subsequent concerns less straightforward.

It is unclear what prompted the FIA’s renewed scrutiny ahead of qualifying, though it is possible a rival team sought clarification from the governing body and presented an alternative interpretation of the rules.

Formula 1 teams are tightly restricted regarding bodywork placement, with components required to sit within defined legality boxes. While the technical regulations permit additional fairings on the halo — typically along its upper edge — these must comply with strict dimensional criteria.

Article C13.3 of the regulations allows a fairing to be attached to the Secondary Roll Structure, provided it sits within the RV-Halo box, features a convex radius of less than 2mm, and connects to the front bodywork with a fillet radius no greater than 10mm.

There is also the broader regulatory consideration that approving such solutions could encourage more aggressive interpretations from rival teams in the same area.

Not the first Halo controversy

Ferrari has previously tested the limits of halo-related aero design. At the 2018 Spanish Grand Prix, the team used regulatory wording to mount mirrors and fins to the halo structure. That concept was subsequently banned after Barcelona, with the FIA concluding the mounting approach was intended to generate additional aerodynamic performance.

Rear wing set for return in Japan

While the halo winglets remain in regulatory limbo, Ferrari’s flip-flop rear wing is expected to reappear at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Team principal Fred Vasseur indicated that further mileage is needed before the team commits to racing the concept.

"If we want to put mileage on the parts, we need to do FP1," he said. "But we'll do it again probably next week [in Japan]. [If] reliability will be OK, and the mileage will be OK. That we'll introduce it for the weekend."

For now, Ferrari’s Shanghai weekend stands as a reminder that in Formula 1, even the smallest aerodynamic detail can trigger significant regulatory ripples — and sometimes, strategic restraint proves the wisest course of action.