Ferrari accelerate development of upgraded ‘Macarena’ rear wing as Monza test looms in critical SF-26 evolution push
Ferrari are intensifying efforts to finalise an updated version of their much-discussed “Macarena” rear wing, as the Italian outfit pushes to resolve not just its most visible weakness, but a broader set of performance limitations affecting the SF-26. With time becoming an increasingly critical factor, the Maranello-based squad is working flat out to ensure that both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc can trial the revised concept during a planned filming day at Monza Circuit.
The Scuderia are expected to take advantage of an unusual five-week gap in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar—created by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds—to conduct valuable on-track evaluation work. Current indications suggest Ferrari will run at Monza around April 21 or 22, using the limited mileage permitted under filming day regulations to gather key aerodynamic and correlation data ahead of the next phase of the season.
Strong start, but clear performance gap to Mercedes
Ferrari have opened their 2026 campaign on a competitive note, with Charles Leclerc currently sitting third in the drivers’ standings on 49 points, narrowly ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who occupies fourth place with 41 points. Despite this encouraging start, the SF-26 has not consistently matched the benchmark pace set by the dominant Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team package.
The Mercedes W17, driven by George Russell and rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, has so far proven to be the class of the field, securing victories at every round and exposing key weaknesses in Ferrari’s current aerodynamic platform. As a result, expectations among the Tifosi have been firmly pinned on the potential of the innovative Macarena rear wing concept, which first attracted attention during pre-season testing in Bahrain.
However, despite the early optimism surrounding the design, Ferrari engineers have since adopted a more cautious stance. After running the component in practice sessions at the Chinese Grand Prix, the team identified reliability concerns and opted against deploying it in race conditions at Suzuka, underlining the need for further refinement.
Ferrari targeting upgraded ‘B-spec’ rear wing for early debut
According to reports, Ferrari are now prioritising the development of a heavily revised “B-spec” version of the Macarena rear wing, with the goal of introducing it earlier than originally scheduled. While the initial plan had pointed towards a debut at the Canadian Grand Prix, the team is now evaluating the possibility of bringing the upgrade forward to the Miami Grand Prix.
The updated design is expected to address structural limitations identified in earlier iterations, with engineers focusing on improving durability while also reducing overall weight. These changes are considered essential not only for reliability but also for enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and balance—two areas where the SF-26 has shown inconsistency.
Data gathered during running in Shanghai appears to have confirmed Ferrari’s initial concerns, suggesting that the original Macarena rear wing configuration was not yet suitable for race use. In particular, both Hamilton and Leclerc experienced instability under braking while cornering, a symptom of insufficient rear-end support that compromised driver confidence and lap time.
Monza test crucial ahead of Sprint weekend in Miami
Ferrari are therefore placing significant importance on the upcoming Monza filming day, which will serve as a key validation opportunity before any decision is made regarding the rear wing’s race debut. The timing is especially critical given that the Miami Grand Prix will feature a Sprint format, leaving teams with just a single practice session to fine-tune their setups.
The absence of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian events has further reduced available track time, increasing the pressure on Ferrari to maximise every kilometre covered at Monza. The team intends to use this session not only to evaluate the revised rear wing but also to test a broader package of aerodynamic upgrades.
Among these developments is a reworked floor aimed at improving overall downforce generation and airflow consistency across different phases of a lap. In addition, Ferrari engineers are exploring smaller aerodynamic refinements, as well as strategies to reduce the car’s overall weight—another factor that could yield valuable performance gains.
Engine software revisions also part of Ferrari’s upgrade package
Beyond aerodynamic improvements, Ferrari are also advancing updates on the power unit side, particularly through significant revisions to engine software. These changes are intended to mitigate the effects of “super clipping,” a phenomenon that has been negatively impacting the SF-26’s straight-line performance.
At present, Ferrari’s energy recovery deployment is not optimally balanced, leading to noticeable power loss on longer straights compared to their main rivals. By refining how electrical energy is harvested and redeployed, the team hopes to unlock additional top speed and improve overall efficiency—an area where both Hamilton and Leclerc have been losing time relative to competitors.
A defining phase in Ferrari’s 2026 development race
As the 2026 Formula 1 season begins to take shape, Ferrari’s ability to rapidly evolve the SF-26 could prove decisive in determining whether they can mount a sustained challenge against Mercedes. The upgraded Macarena rear wing represents a central element of this development push, but it is clear that the Scuderia’s ambitions extend far beyond a single component.
With crucial data expected from the Monza test and a potential early debut in Miami under consideration, the coming weeks may define Ferrari’s competitive trajectory for the remainder of the campaign.
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