Ferrari believes its distinctive ‘Macarena’ rear-wing concept could become a common sight across the Formula 1 grid in 2027. Frederic Vasseur expects rival teams to increasingly follow the technical direction pioneered by the SF-26 as designs begin to converge following the first season of Formula 1’s new regulations.
The rotating rear wing is also an important symbol of a wider change taking place inside Maranello. Ferrari has deliberately become more willing to pursue unconventional ideas, with Frederic Vasseur pushing the technical department to accept greater risk rather than remaining within familiar design boundaries.
Frederic Vasseur pushes Ferrari to take more technical risks
“I push the team to take risks,” Frederic Vasseur explained in a recent interview with Auto Hebdo. The effects of that philosophy have been particularly visible during the 2026 season, with Ferrari setting the direction in areas including the rotating rear wing and the small aerodynamic winglet positioned around the exhaust outlet.
Both ideas first appeared on the Ferrari SF-26 before similar concepts began appearing elsewhere. Versions of the rear wing that changes orientation have already been seen on Red Bull and McLaren, while different interpretations of Ferrari’s FTM aerodynamic solution have emerged across the grid.
The developments reflect Ferrari’s determination to become more aggressive technically at the beginning of a new regulatory cycle, when engineers have greater freedom to explore different concepts before the leading designs gradually begin to converge.
Ferrari’s ‘Macarena’ rear wing reflects a new philosophy
Speaking about the cultural change within the team, Frederic Vasseur compared Ferrari’s current approach with the mentality he previously encountered at Sauber.
“At Sauber we had this culture of risk. Strange, given that we were a Swiss team. At Ferrari we were perhaps a little too much in our comfort zone.
“This year we have been aggressive with the concept on some choices, such as the chassis or the Macarena rear wing.”
The rear wing acquired its unusual nickname following a joke made by Frederic Vasseur earlier in the season, with its rotating movement inspiring the reference to the famous dance.
That particular component has since become one of the most recognisable examples of Ferrari’s willingness to explore less conventional ideas during the opening year of the regulations. The philosophy also fits with the wider push for an aggressive Ferrari development programme as the team continues working to extract more performance from the SF-26.
Ferrari expects every team to have a ‘Macarena’ in 2027
Frederic Vasseur accepts that successful Formula 1 concepts inevitably become a source of inspiration for rival teams. That process is particularly important during the opening stages of a new regulatory era, when teams begin with significantly different interpretations before gradually moving towards similar technical solutions.
“There are other things on the car where we have been aggressive, but undoubtedly it is easier to be aggressive in the first year of a regulation, before entering a phase of convergence over the following seasons,” Frederic Vasseur explained.
Ferrari therefore knew that taking an early technical risk could eventually result in other teams pursuing the same route if the concept proved worthwhile.
“When we launched the design of the Macarena we were not so sure of ourselves, while next year everyone will have it.”
For Ferrari, that expectation underlines the transformation Frederic Vasseur wants to encourage at Maranello: rather than waiting to follow established Formula 1 trends, the Scuderia wants to be prepared to take the technical risks that could persuade its rivals to follow instead.
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