Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton each completed 100 kilometers at Monza yesterday, as Ferrari carried out its first of two filming days allowed under the regulations, gathering valuable data ahead of the upcoming races.
An ingenious wing to counter Mercedes power unit advantage
Ferrari took to the track for its first official filming day of the season, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completing the maximum allowed distance of 100 kilometers each behind the wheel of the SF-26. As required by the regulations governing these sessions, the car was run in a constant configuration throughout the day, limiting the scope for setup changes but still allowing the team to validate key development components.
The Maranello-based team used the opportunity to test several upgrades, including a revised floor and new aerodynamic elements. However, the main focus of attention was undoubtedly the much-discussed “Macarena” rear wing. This innovative solution has yet to make its debut in qualifying or race conditions due to reliability concerns, particularly related to imperfect synchronization during the closing phase with the front wing. This mismatch had previously caused aerodynamic instability under braking, a phenomenon that notably led to Lewis Hamilton spinning during the sole free practice session in Shanghai earlier this season.
According to initial estimates, this clever rear wing design could deliver a gain of approximately 8 to 10 km/h when the aerodynamic elements are opened, representing a significant performance advantage. Such an improvement could prove crucial in helping Ferrari close the gap to the dominant Mercedes power unit, especially on circuits where straight-line speed plays a decisive role.
As reported by the Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera, the outcome of the Monza filming day was highly encouraging, to the point that Ferrari has decided to approve the component ahead of schedule. Originally planned for introduction at the Canadian Grand Prix, the “Macarena” wing is now set to debut earlier, at the Miami Grand Prix.
The success of this update could define the mid-season trajectory for Ferrari. As the technical war between Maranello and Brackley intensifies, these marginal gains in straight-line speed become the difference between fighting for the podium and falling back into the pack. The focus will be on the SF26’s rear assembly during Friday practice in Florida to see if the “Macarena” can truly dance to the rhythm of victory.
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