Ferrari has brought no major technical surprise to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, with Friday practice confirming that the SF-26 will continue to use its FTM configuration and the same Macarena wing concept seen at recent races. The first two practice sessions provided a clear answer to speculation surrounding potential changes, with neither of the anticipated revisions appearing on the Ferrari cars.
In the build-up to the weekend, there had been suggestions that Ferrari could remove the FTM in search of improved efficiency and higher top speed. There had also been speculation that a new version of the now well-known Ferrari Macarena wing could make its debut. Instead, track action pointed in a different direction, consistent with the technical picture from the Belgian GP pit lane.
Ferrari retains FTM and unchanged Macarena wing at Spa
Ferrari continued to use the FTM, while the rear wing fitted to the SF-26 at Spa remained substantially unchanged from the version already observed at previous rounds. No particularly visible aerodynamic evolution emerged during Friday running, meaning that several pre-weekend rumours did not receive confirmation on track.
It was always sensible to wait for the cars to run before treating those reports as certain. The two main topics had been the possible removal of the FTM and an evolution of the Macarena wing. In the end, Ferrari changed neither element, despite the unique demands posed by Spa and the early test facing Ferrari’s latest SF-26 innovation.
The confirmation is important because it illustrates how technical solutions can be discussed in the paddock long before they actually reach the circuit. In some cases, they remain under evaluation rather than becoming part of a team’s race-weekend package.
Ferrari’s Macarena wing continues to run without apparent changes
The Macarena wing itself provided another significant indication. In recent days, some had suggested that the FIA could intervene immediately following the issues experienced by Red Bull. Friday’s evidence, however, indicated a different situation.
Ferrari continued to use its solution without any apparent change, and there were no signs of reliability concerns or an urgent intervention by the FIA. Based on what has been seen so far, Ferrari’s project appears to have been developed through a more conservative approach than other aerodynamic interpretations used elsewhere in the paddock.
According to Max Verstappen, Red Bull identified a mechanical issue connected to its own aerodynamic solution and is aiming to resolve it by the Hungarian Grand Prix. That changes the interpretation of recent events. Rather than an immediate FIA rejection, it appears that Red Bull itself may have decided not to use that configuration temporarily while it addresses the mechanical problem.
As a result, there is currently no evidence to suggest an immediate ban on Ferrari’s solution. That does not mean that such aerodynamic interpretations will necessarily remain in place indefinitely, however.
A possible regulatory response is more likely for 2027
Formula 1 history shows that when a team identifies a particularly effective interpretation of the regulations, it can use it for as long as the rules allow. The FIA can then close the grey area through a future regulation change. Mercedes’ DAS system followed that path: it was introduced in 2020 and prohibited by the following season’s regulations.
The same principle could eventually apply to both the Ferrari Macarena wing and the FTM. If the FIA decides that action is required, a rule change for next season appears more likely than an immediate ban during the current championship. For now, Ferrari supporters can look at the situation with relative calm.
Mercedes impresses in Spa FP2, but Friday gaps need context
The performance picture on Friday told a different story. Andrea Kimi Antonelli topped the second free practice session for Mercedes with a 1:45.944, becoming the only driver to lap below the 1:46 barrier.
Ferrari endured a more complicated FP2. Lewis Hamilton finished among the leading positions but was more than seven tenths behind, while Charles Leclerc ended the session only eleventh, over one and a half seconds away from Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s benchmark.
On paper, those figures appear concerning. However, a margin approaching eight tenths is difficult to treat as fully representative of the genuine competitive order. As is often the case on a Friday, different work programmes, power-unit mappings, fuel loads and tyre management can significantly distort the timesheets. Spa’s revised energy-management demands are also a key variable, following the FIA’s MGU-K management challenge for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc sees room for improvement
Charles Leclerc did not appear especially alarmed after Friday’s running. The Monegasque driver believes Ferrari still has work to do, but also sees potential to improve the competitiveness of the SF-26 ahead of qualifying.
“Today we did quite a lot of work and I think there is still room to improve our competitiveness. This evening, we will fine-tune the car for tomorrow and work to find some more performance over a qualifying lap.”
Charles Leclerc’s comments confirm that Ferrari considers its setup work on the SF-26 to be far from complete. The team arrived at Spa with cautious expectations, as Charles Leclerc explained before the Belgian Grand Prix, and Friday’s data will now shape the final changes before qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton identifies Ferrari’s middle-sector struggle
Lewis Hamilton also stressed that the competitive picture remained open after Friday. The British driver described the day as generally productive, even if Ferrari still had important areas to investigate.
“The day was quite good and positive overall. We made progress and the sessions were relatively calm.”
Lewis Hamilton then identified Ferrari’s main concern: “The others look really strong. Red Bull looks very strong, Mercedes has gained a lot in terms of pace and McLaren also seemed to be in a good place. For some reason, we are struggling a little in the middle sector. We are trying to understand why.”
Lewis Hamilton also pointed out that Spa feels different with the 2026 cars compared with previous seasons. “The track is fantastic, but it is a little different to previous years because the engine loses power on the straights. In terms of chassis and corners, though, it is fine.”
Saturday will offer a clearer answer
Friday at Spa therefore delivered two important conclusions. Technically, Ferrari has confirmed that it has not removed the FTM, has not introduced a new rear wing and is continuing to run the Macarena wing without any apparent problem. In performance terms, however, the situation remains open to interpretation.
Mercedes’ FP2 advantage was significant, but FP3 and qualifying will provide a much clearer view of the real competitive order. Saturday will show whether the SF-26 can reduce a gap that currently appears larger than Ferrari’s genuine potential.
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