Ferrari has gathered encouraging data during a crucial filming day at Monza, where the Scuderia tested an evolved version of its innovative rear wing concept on the SF-26. The session provided valuable feedback from both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, reinforcing confidence in a package that is now expected to play a key role in the team’s development trajectory for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
The test, carried out behind closed doors under strict conditions, marked Ferrari’s return to track action after a short break in the Formula 1 calendar. With the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix disrupting the early rhythm of the championship, the Monza outing represented an essential opportunity for the Maranello-based squad to validate its latest aerodynamic upgrades in real-world conditions.
Strong performance data from Monza filming day
Over the course of the session, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton completed a combined total of 39 laps, executing a structured test programme designed to assess correlation between simulator predictions and on-track behaviour. Charles Leclerc handled driving duties in the morning, completing 19 laps and setting a best time of 1:27.138, focusing primarily on baseline runs and initial aero mapping.
In the afternoon, Lewis Hamilton took over the Ferrari SF-26 and pushed the programme further, completing 20 laps and recording a quicker benchmark of 1:26.585. The British driver’s runs were understood to include more aggressive configurations, allowing Ferrari engineers to evaluate the performance envelope of the updated rear wing under higher load conditions.
The lap times themselves were not the primary objective, but the consistency and responsiveness of the car provided strong indications that the upgrade package is functioning as expected.
Evolved “Macarena” rear wing shows clear progress
At the centre of attention was the revised version of the so-called “Macarena” rear wing, an unconventional aerodynamic solution that has attracted significant interest within the Formula 1 paddock. The updated design features modified support pylons and a refined flip-wing mechanism aimed at improving airflow efficiency and rear-end stability.
According to paddock sources, both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton reported positive sensations during their runs, particularly in terms of balance and aerodynamic consistency through high-speed sections. Based on this feedback, Ferrari engineers are said to have concluded that the concept has reached a level of maturity suitable for race deployment.
As a result, the new rear wing specification is now expected to be officially introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, where it will form part of a broader upgrade package intended to close the performance gap to leading rivals.
Ferrari pushes development race in 2026 season
The Monza test highlights Ferrari’s aggressive approach to in-season development, a critical factor under the 2026 regulations. With limited opportunities to make large performance gains through the power unit alone, aerodynamic efficiency and incremental upgrades have become central to the competitive landscape.
Ferrari’s ability to bring a refined component like the updated rear wing to the track at this stage of the season reflects a strong development pipeline at Maranello. The data gathered during the filming day will now be integrated into simulation tools, allowing engineers to further optimise the package ahead of its competitive debut.
The feedback provided by Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton has also played a decisive role in accelerating the validation process, ensuring that the upgrade is not only theoretically effective but also delivers tangible benefits in real driving conditions.
Focus shifts to Miami and simulator refinement
Following the positive outcome of the Monza session, the Maranello team will now return to its simulator programme to refine setup configurations and maximise the potential of the new components. The Miami Grand Prix will represent the first true benchmark for the upgraded SF-26, offering a clearer picture of how the package performs under full race weekend conditions.
With the 2026 Formula 1 season expected to be defined by continuous development battles, Ferrari’s progress with the SF-26 rear wing could prove to be a significant step in its pursuit of race victories. The coming rounds will determine whether this innovation can translate promising test data into consistent on-track performance against top competitors.
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