SF-26 update: Ferrari targets aerodynamic gains with Macarena wing at Suzuka. Ferrari plans to test the “Macarena” flip-flap rear wing at the Japanese GP.

We first saw it during Bahrain testing for only a few laps, before Lewis Hamilton’s car stopped due to a problem that took the entire morning to fix. It then reappeared in the sole practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix.

Now, it’s time for Ferrari’s so-called “Macarena” rear wing to make a comeback. The Japanese Grand Prix marks the return to the traditional weekend format with three free practice sessions, and Maranello’s engineers plan to use this opportunity to test the aerodynamic element once again.

Ferrari SF-26: the purpose of the Macarena wing

Ferrari sees it as a possible solution to mitigate some of the issues experienced on the straights, particularly regarding top speed. The “Macarena” or “flip-flop” wing is essentially a geometric variation of the aerodynamic package, designed to find the right balance between downforce and drag. In the 2026 regulatory context—with new power units and an increasingly central role for energy management—being able to modulate downforce without sacrificing straight-line speed has become a priority for all designers.

The principle behind the wing is to adjust the pressure distribution along the airfoil to achieve a more stable airflow when the car’s setup changes. In practice, the variable geometry makes the car more predictable under braking, through corners, and during transitions between acceleration and deceleration.

Ferrari SF–26: more extensive testing to gather data

Initially, the wing’s return was scheduled for the Miami Grand Prix. However, Ferrari decided to bring the test forward, also considering that after the Japanese GP there will be a forced break due to geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, leading to the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix.

Consequently, Maranello will need to arrive in Miami with a new aerodynamic package, which is expected to include the Macarena wing. This element must integrate seamlessly with other aerodynamic and mechanical updates the engineers are working on at this stage.

For this reason, the wing will be tested in Japan on a circuit that, although it doesn’t have long straights, will still allow the team to gather significant data across the three free practice sessions. This information will then be analyzed back at the factory using CFD simulations and wind tunnel testing during the month-long break.

It is also worth noting that Ferrari has planned a filming day at Monza, which will include further evaluation of the wing alongside tests on power unit electronic management—currently one of the SF-26’s main critical areas.

As previously reported, Ferrari is also pressing the FIA for a waiver to allow all teams to conduct on-track testing during this downtime. No decision has been made yet, but the topic remains under discussion.

The decision to focus on the Macarena wing during the Japanese weekend confirms that Ferrari still considers the element valid and functional. The goal is to arrive in Miami with a configuration fully integrated into a broader update package.

Ferrari is therefore using the technical nature of Suzuka as a laboratory for its 2026 recovery plan. By fast-tracking the “Macarena” wing, the Scuderia is signaling that they have found a potential fix for their straight-line deficit against Mercedes. Based on the content of the upcoming Monza filming day, we could see a very different Ferrari SF-26 by the time the circus arrives in Florida.