Ferrari’s upgraded ‘Macarena’ rear wing has appeared on the SF-26 in the Hungarian Grand Prix garage, marking the first sighting of the revised design after its planned introduction at Spa-Francorchamps was postponed. The new package aims to generate more downforce while reducing drag, with an estimated top-speed improvement of up to 3 km/h.
After abandoning the idea of using the evolved wing during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari is now preparing to introduce it in Hungary. The first images reveal the principal changes and a configuration that draws inspiration from solutions previously seen on rival cars, while exploiting an arrangement that is currently possible only on the SF-26.
Ferrari’s ‘Macarena’ rear wing arrives after its Spa delay
Until almost the final moment, Ferrari had not decided whether to fit the evolved reverse-wing specification in Belgium. However, the hesitation was not caused by technical concerns related to safety or performance. The department responsible for producing the different specifications and individual components of the car was simply unable to provide enough parts and spares for the system to be used at Spa-Francorchamps.
Ferrari would naturally have preferred to introduce the delayed SF-26 rear-wing package in Belgium, but the solution is now ready for its Hungarian debut. The Hungaroring demands substantial aerodynamic load and includes flowing medium- to high-speed sections in which the SF-26 could perform particularly well. The circuit’s slower sections have also placed renewed attention on Ferrari’s low-speed cornering strength.
Evolved Ferrari Macarena rear wing targets downforce and efficiency
According to information reported by AutoRacer.it several days ago, the evolved ‘Macarena’ wing was already complete and could have arrived in Hungary if Ferrari considered it suitable. The aerodynamic modifications are intended to improve the SF-26’s overall efficiency, helping the car maintain its top speed for longer while also generating more downforce.
The design has been ready for some time and is not simply a low-downforce rear-wing specification. Instead, it is an upgrade intended to increase the SF-26’s overall performance through changes to the mobile flap and its kinematics. Several revised components are designed to increase the amount of downforce produced by the wing, while similar concepts were also seen on rival cars in Monaco.
Ferrari is simultaneously seeking to reduce drag. The estimated average benefit could amount to as much as 3 km/h in top speed, although this remains a projected gain rather than a confirmed track measurement. The completed component has now appeared on the SF-26 for the first time in the Hungaroring garage.
Why Ferrari can use the mini-flap arrangement
Ferrari has adopted a concept previously shown by other teams, but the report claims that it is currently the only constructor able to fit these appendages above the mobile flap while exploiting what is described as a regulatory loophole. The absence of a central actuator makes it possible for Ferrari to open the wing in Straight Mode.
As explained in the AutoRacer.it article, the underlying concept belongs to the Mercedes school of design and is due to be prohibited for 2027, although Ferrari is said to have drawn particular inspiration from Red Bull. Two triangular profiles can be seen at intermediate points between the central section and the endplates of the mobile flap.
“By exploiting the design of its own Macarena wing and the absence of a central actuator, Ferrari makes use of that ‘regulatory loophole’ which the other teams exploited in Monaco, where there were no active-aerodynamics zones. In place of the central actuator, Ferrari has positioned an elaborate construction of mini-flaps that clearly echoes the McLaren design. It is important to underline that, at least up to this point, only Ferrari can afford a solution of this kind, because it does not use the central actuator and therefore has those volumes, defined by the regulations, free.”
The combination therefore incorporates ideas associated with several rivals: a broader Mercedes-style concept, Red Bull-inspired triangular profiles and a mini-flap construction resembling the McLaren design. Ferrari’s own actuator layout is what reportedly allows those elements to remain in place when the wing opens in Straight Mode.
High-downforce floor specification returns on the SF-26
The SF-26 will also return to its high-downforce floor specification in Hungary. The floor-board assembly consists of three elements, replacing the single-element version used at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.
Together, the revised floor and rear-wing package are intended to provide the aerodynamic load required at the Hungaroring without imposing an excessive straight-line penalty. Nevertheless, expectations remain measured, with Charles Leclerc warning against assuming the circuit will automatically suit Ferrari. Fans can also consult the complete 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix timetable ahead of the SF-26 update’s first on-track appearance.
Leave a Reply