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Mercedes Temporarily Adopts Ferrari’s FTM Extraction in F1 at Madrid

Mercedes experimented with a Ferrari-inspired FTM (flick tail mode) extraction system in Madrid but ultimately abandoned the modification for the rest of the weekend, sticking with the Monza setup. Ferrari has used this innovation since pre-season testing to improve its car's aerodynamics.


Marcus Bennett
Marcus Bennett
September 23, 2026  ·  1 min read
B-Empire Magazine
Brief

Mercedes briefly tested a new interpretation of Ferrari’s FTM (flick tail mode) system during the Madrid Grand Prix, according to official Formula 1 sources.

This technology, present on Ferrari’s car since pre-season testing, partially blocks the exhaust gas outlet to increase their force and direct them upwards. This improves the airflow exiting the diffuser and energizes the airflow under the rear wing, providing an aerodynamic advantage.

However, Mercedes removed this modification after a short trial and used the same setup as in the previous race at Monza for the remainder of the weekend.

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