Ferrari technical update reveals a cautious approach for the season opener | F1 Australian GP. Ferrari confirms only some of the SF-26 upgrades tested in Bahrain.

From the first images emerging from Melbourne, it is clear that Scuderia Ferrari has confirmed only some of the upgrades that were evaluated during pre-season testing. Here is what the Maranello-based team has decided to do regarding the rear wing.

There was significant anticipation surrounding which updates Ferrari would choose to bring to the track following the Bahrain test sessions. In particular, fans were eager to find out whether the aerodynamic appendage in the diffuser area and the much-discussed rear wing would be used in Melbourne. Among the many solutions fitted to the SF-26 in Sakhir, these two components had drawn particular attention from both supporters and rival teams across the Formula 1 paddock.

The Ferrari decision on the rear wing for the first race of 2026

The first answers arrived even before the Prancing Horse’s new single-seater officially hit the track for the free practice sessions that will kick off the 2026 Formula 1 season. Photos published by Albert Fabrega, who is present in Melbourne for the season-opening round, clearly highlight the choices made by the team led by Fred Vasseur.

Detalles del Ferrari en Melbourne #f12026 pic.twitter.com/0P3D6xUYVd

— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) March 5, 2026

More specifically, the SF-26 continues to feature the aerodynamic appendage in the diffuser area, a solution that had already delivered very positive results during the Bahrain test. As for the rear wing, however, Ferrari will continue to use the standard specification with the two lateral actuators for the time being. To see the so-called “Macarena” on track, a few more weeks of development will be required.

Engineers in Maranello are currently working to refine the opening and closing mechanism and to ensure the reliability of the new specification. Only once these aspects have been fully addressed will Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc be able to benefit from the gains introduced by one of the most talked-about technical innovations of recent years in Formula 1.

Ferrari’s decision to hold back its most radical rear wing design highlights a methodical approach to the new regulations. While the ‘Macarena’ wing promises a significant reduction in drag and improved DRS efficiency, Fred Vasseur’s priority in Melbourne is clearly reliability and data correlation on a high-stakes street circuit. By sticking with the standard rear wing while keeping the successful diffuser upgrade, the Scuderia is ensuring a stable baseline for Hamilton and Leclerc.