No Evo Joker: Ferrari 499P (2026) at 2025 level? Far from it!

– Ferrari is forgoing Evo jokers for the 2026 version of the 499P. Nevertheless, the defending Le Mans Hypercar champion has received a series of minor modifications for the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC). The changes have not yet been shown; the studio shots show the 2025 model in 2026 livery. However, Ferrari is already providing information.

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For the 2026 season, all vehicles built according to LMH and LMDh regulations had to undergo a new homologation process in the innovative Windshear wind tunnel in Concord, North Carolina. The Sauber wind tunnel, which the WEC previously used, is no longer available due to the Audi Formula 1 project.

While almost all other manufacturers made modifications to the aerodynamics, and in some cases changed the entire aero concept, Ferrari did not use an Evo joker. Instead, the focus in Maranello remained on optimizing the existing package. There is no need anyway, as the 499P swept pretty much everything there was to sweep in 2025.

In parallel, however, Ferrari carried out a meticulous aerodynamic refinement. Nothing that would fundamentally change the original concept, but rather adjustments to ensure that the car meets the required homologation while remaining within the performance window defined by the Hypercar regulations. All of this is possible without using a joker.

Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Ferrari Endurance Race Cars, explains in detail where the car was modified: “The re-homologation essentially revolved around three points: First, the change of wind tunnel from Sauber to Windshear – meaning the move from Switzerland to the USA.”

“This was accompanied [secondly] by a completely new procedure for data collection and analysis, including new measurement points in the tunnel. And finally, we had to [thirdly] redefine the car’s performance window.” Far-reaching changes, then, for a development without using a joker.

“For us, this meant that we had to align the entire setup with this new reference point. We consciously decided against using Evo jokers. We prefer to hold these back for the future and focus instead on optimizing details.”

The aerodynamic adjustments in detail

“At the front, we have revised the aero elements above the splitter and modified the air ducting in the upper area of the wheel arches. Basically, we have – also at the request of the regulators – removed some aero parts and replaced them with smooth aerodynamic surfaces. Also at the front, we have adjusted the guide elements on the underbody and the flow splitters to fine-tune the car’s balance.”

“At the rear, there is a small change to the radiator outlets on the sidepods. Much more crucial, however, is that we have redesigned the engine cover and the profile of the trailing edge. In addition, there are significantly more prominent parts on the rear wing and the endplates.”

“The fins behind the rear wheels have also been revised to optimize the airflow. These are minimal but highly effective interventions that the regulations allow us to make without touching the basic shape of the car. This allowed us to position ourselves precisely within the required performance window.”

At this point, it was inevitable to ask Cannizzo for his assessment of the competition, as many competitors – BMW, Cadillac, Toyota, and Alpine – will be competing with heavily updated versions of their respective Hypercars.

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“The competition has stepped it up across the board,” replies Cannizzo. “The teams have taken the opportunity to further optimize their packages – some of which were already strong. I haven’t seen anything that completely blew me away, but we have carefully analyzed the upgrades of the others. In doing so, we found interesting approaches, but also confirmation of our own path.”

“Apart from that, we expect extremely tough competition and a very high level of performance for 2026. This means that we must perform in every area [in 2026], not only with the car but also with everything around it, including all team processes. That will be fundamental.” And ultimately, the big question remains whether one is even allowed to win for the sake of the championship.

The future of the Evo jokers

As already mentioned, Ferrari has decided against using further Evo jokers. The question, of course, is: for how much longer? Until 2027, Ferrari could theoretically still use four Evo jokers. “In 2024, we used our first joker, but otherwise left the car largely in its original state.”

“That was simply because the 499P was extremely competitive right from its debut at Sebring in 2023. The pole position back then was the best proof of an all-around successful basic concept.”

“Last year went particularly well because we approached the first four races – Qatar, Imola, Spa, and Le Mans – with four different setup configurations to adapt to the specific characteristics of these tracks [and won all four races]. This demonstrated a deep understanding of our project.”

“To return to the original topic: we believe that we can still mobilize small reserves this year. But of course, in a championship with homologated cars where you are not allowed to change anything, the room for improvement becomes increasingly thin. The moment when we really have to make profound changes is therefore inevitably approaching.”

Further convergence: Why 2026 will be decisive for 2030

Cannizzo also speaks about the new technical regulations, which aim to bring the LMH and LMDh platforms closer together and ultimately find a common solution that satisfies all parties involved. After three Ferrari victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the atmosphere is tense. Porsche has already drawn consequences and turned its back on the WEC.

“As for the next generation of regulations: we are fully involved. So far, we have only had preliminary discussions in which the macro goals were identified, but I would say that this year is crucial for defining a proper draft of the rules.”

“This will form the basis for the future of the Hypercar class and the prototypes from 2030. It is therefore a very important task to which Ferrari is devoting the highest priority and attention.”

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