Ferrari brings 'Macarena' rear wing to Japan - But will they use it?

Ferrari delivered spectacle and substance in Shanghai, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc battling throughout the Chinese Grand Prix. The Scuderia ultimately secured third place with Hamilton – his first podium in red – but the result underlined a stark reality: the SF-26 remains a step behind a dominant Mercedes.

Where Ferrari is losing time

China offered valuable clarity. The SF-26 is competitive through the first two sectors, matching Mercedes in the corners. The deficit, however, is concentrated on the straights, where Ferrari surrenders nearly three tenths of a second alone.

While the FIA continues discussions over potential rule changes for Miami, Ferrari’s priority is internal. Understanding optimal electrical energy deployment and battery recharge strategies is one layer of the puzzle; unlocking more performance from the 067/6 V6 engine is another.

The sporting department estimates a shortfall of 20–25 horsepower, particularly noticeable at high revs. In modern Formula 1, that gap is decisive.

The Mercedes advantage

Part of Mercedes’ edge may stem from a rumoured approach of running a higher compression ratio when the engine is hot – a parameter currently measured at room temperature by regulation until June 1. Complementing this is the performance of Petronas fuel, reportedly capable of increasing calorific power in the combustion chamber and effectively exploiting that higher compression ratio.

The result is a potent combination, further strengthened by a larger turbine delivering greater peak power. This enables the internal combustion engine to recharge energy on the straights using the now-famous super clipping technique – harvesting surplus power for the battery without excessively compromising top speed.

Ferrari is awaiting the ADUO in an attempt to recover engine performance, potentially targeting the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break. Until then, development focus remains firmly on the car itself, with confidence high in the SF-26’s underlying chassis and aerodynamic platform.

The Macarena wing: rejected or refined?

Shanghai also marked the track debut of the so-called “Macarena” flip rear wing, tested during the sole free practice session. Both drivers gathered extensive data before the component was set aside for the remainder of the weekend.

Despite external claims that the concept had been discarded, that interpretation misses the mark. The wing was never intended as a universal solution. Originally scheduled to debut in Bahrain – and previously seen during pre-season testing in Sakhir – its introduction was brought forward following the cancellation of two Gulf races. Its characteristics are considered potentially valuable for Suzuka.

The Chinese test proved instructive. Engineers identified the need to refine the closing timing of the rotating twin-flap system, as aerodynamic balance issues emerged due to the front movable wing reacting more quickly than the rear.

According to Motorsport.com, the flip wing remains in its first stage of development. Further evolutions will only follow once the baseline configuration operates as intended.

Greater aerodynamic efficiency at Suzuka could reduce drag in open-wing sections – aided by relocating the actuator into one of the side endplates – while simultaneously increasing downforce through technical sections. The data collected in Shanghai will be instrumental in refining simulations ahead of Japan, where aerodynamic performance carries significant weight alongside engine output.

Development race intensifies

At Maranello, timelines are being compressed. Engineers led by Loic Serra are pushing to extract the performance potential they believe exists within the SF-26.

There will be circuits where Ferrari’s characteristics can challenge Mercedes more directly. The team’s task is to be ready when those opportunities arise.

A significant upgrade package is expected in Miami on May 4, the first race following Formula 1’s April break. Until then, Ferrari remains a project in evolution – competitive, promising, but still chasing a benchmark that currently looks formidable.