Ferrari's April agenda: SF-26 upgrades, Power Unit talks and the "Macarena" wing test at Monza

An April without Formula 1 races has handed teams a rare pause to evaluate their opening form. For Ferrari, the break offers a critical window to assess the SF-26 after three rounds that have revealed both promise and clear limitations.

A strong aero platform, but a power deficit

The gap is understood to be around 20bhp, a deficit that has shaped Ferrari’s early-season trajectory. In Japan, McLaren demonstrated that, when free of technical issues, it can step into the role of second force, making even baseline podium finishes increasingly difficult for the Scuderia.

Testing agenda: Fiorano and Monza

From April 9, Ferrari will also begin a scheduled Pirelli programme at Fiorano, focused on testing the 2027 wet tyres in the new “super intermediate” tread specification.

More immediately relevant to performance development is the team’s first 200km filming day of the year, set for April 22 at Monza. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will share driving duties at a circuit that places significant demands on energy management.

The decision to run at the high-speed Italian track was made immediately after Australia. Other teams are also evaluating Monza for one of their permitted filming days.

Weather permitting, the session will allow Ferrari to trial the bulk of the updates planned for Miami — a necessary adjustment after the cancellation of Sakhir and Jeddah disrupted the original rollout plan.

Development plan disrupted

Under Loic Serra’s direction, Ferrari had intended to introduce updates in small, incremental steps rather than through large macro packages — a contrast to the approach seen under Enrico Cardile. The Middle East cancellations have inevitably altered that strategy.

A revised floor, originally targeted for Bahrain, represents the primary step forward in aerodynamic downforce and will be fitted to the SF-26 at Monza. Additional elements will address further aerodynamic refinements and weight reduction, while Miami will also see components linked to cooling management.

The two halo wings briefly seen during practice in China — and removed due to non-compliance with material specifications — are also set to return in Miami.

The "Macarena" wing race against time

Monza is particularly significant because Ferrari is in a race against time to finalise the updated “Macarena” rear wing, initially planned for Montreal.

Testing in China confirmed internal concerns: the Bahrain-specification version cannot yet be raced, as it fails to provide sufficient rear stability under combined braking conditions with steering input.

Work is now focused on finalising a structural specification that will be lighter and aerodynamically revised compared to the prototype. The goal is to test it at Monza and assess whether further fine-tuning is required ahead of Canada.

Miami presents uncertainty due to the sprint format, with a decision on usage to follow the April 22 running.

For now, Ferrari intends to retain flexibility between the classic rear wing used in the opening three races and the Macarena specification. The choice could prove particularly relevant at circuits such as Monte Carlo, where the traditional flap-opening configuration may still offer the safer option.

In a compressed development window shaped by cancellations and regulatory discussions, April has become a defining month for Ferrari’s 2026 campaign trajectory.