Ferrari appears to be a completely different team compared to what we saw twelve months ago, with Lewis Hamilton confirming that impression by praising the work done by the Scuderia following the arrival of the new “Macarena wing” for the Chinese Grand Prix. The Maranello-based team has decided to push aggressively with this update and additional innovations as it continues to develop the SF-26.
Alongside the new rear wing concept, another new feature has appeared on the car. Engineers have introduced an additional aerodynamic detail on the central pillar of the Halo, with two small aerodynamic appendages placed on both sides of the structure.
All of this reflects the spirit of a Ferrari team led by team principal Fred Vasseur and now also guided by technical leader Loic Serra, with the group clearly showcasing its creativity. Aerodynamics has become a particularly important development area, especially at a time when Ferrari is attempting to limit the performance deficit caused by the power unit, which currently lags behind the Mercedes engine in terms of development.
Even on the engine side, however, Ferrari appears ready to take a bold and potentially revolutionary direction. Starting from 2027 — or possibly even earlier if the ADUO system allows it — the Scuderia could introduce a completely new engine concept that is expected to be significantly more aggressive in terms of performance.
Hamilton’s praise for Ferrari
This is a Ferrari team pushing on every front, something that was not necessarily visible during 2025, which was Lewis Hamilton’s first season wearing the red colors of the Scuderia. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion himself noticed this difference and openly praised the work carried out by the entire team.
“I’m very grateful to the team for the work they’ve done. Actually this update was planned to arrive later. But they worked hard to develop it and bring it here,” Lewis Hamilton said during media day on Thursday ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix weekend.
“It’s just fantastic for me to see that the team is fighting, pushing, chasing and really working incredibly hard at the factory to bring these upgrades. Last year I couldn’t see the full potential of the team because we were focused on this year’s car.”
Lewis Hamilton therefore confirmed the impressive effort made by Ferrari to bring the new Macarena wing to the Chinese Grand Prix. The team from Maranello clearly has a very specific objective for the season: to bring at least one Formula 1 world championship title back to Ferrari.
The SF-26 now prepares to take on the long straights of the Shanghai International Circuit and the “Macarena” wing represents more than just a carbon fiber component; it is a symbol of a team that has found its competitive fire. For Lewis Hamilton, seeing the rapid turnaround from the factory provides the confidence needed to challenge his former team, Mercedes, at a track where top speed is king. If these aerodynamic gambles pay off, the 2026 Chinese Grand Prix could be remembered as the moment Ferrari transitioned from a chasing team to a genuine title contender. The season is young, but Maranello is clearly moving at full throttle.
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