Ferrari is preparing to bring back its much‑discussed “Macarena wing” at next weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix, after the innovative aerodynamic solution made its debut during free practice in China.
Despite initial challenges, the Scuderia believes the concept has strong potential—and the team is confident that the data gathered in Shanghai will allow them to unlock its performance at Suzuka.
The Macarena wing—named informally for the way its flaps rotate on their axis—was originally intended for a later race, but was brought forward to China. Its first outing wasn’t without complications: the rotating‑flap mechanism created an aerodynamic imbalance between the front and rear of the SF‑26.
A Ferrari representative explained the situation clearly: “The Macarena wing is still in its early stages of development. We need to fine‑tune the closing time between the front and rear wings to achieve optimal aerodynamic balance.”
Despite the imbalance, Ferrari engineers walked away from Shanghai with valuable data. The team now believes the wing can be properly optimized for the high‑speed, high‑downforce demands of Suzuka.
Ferrari’s development push isn’t limited to aerodynamics. The team continues to work on improving the 6‑cylinder 067/6 power unit, which has shown a deficit compared to Mercedes’ benchmark engine.
The Ferrari spokesperson acknowledged the challenge: “We are aware of the power deficit with the 6‑cylinder 067/6 engine. Our goal is to maximize the use of electricity in battery charging strategies and improve engine performance.”
Ferrari is targeting an engine recovery plan that should begin to bear fruit by the Hungarian Grand Prix, with a focus on efficiency and energy deployment.
Despite the power gap, Ferrari remains upbeat about the SF‑26’s underlying platform. Internally, there is strong belief that the chassis and aerodynamic package have untapped potential.
“The SF‑26 has excellent potential. We are working hard to extract the performance expected by our technicians.”
Suzuka’s sweeping corners and long, high‑load sections make it an ideal testing ground for Ferrari’s rotating‑flap concept. The team sees the Japanese GP as the first real opportunity to evaluate the wing in a representative environment.
The Ferrari spokesperson emphasized the importance of the Chinese test: “The Chinese test was crucial. We need to ensure the right functioning of the Macarena wing before introducing further evolutions.”
If the system performs as expected, it could become a key component of Ferrari’s aerodynamic strategy for the remainder of the season.
Ferrari is also preparing a significant upgrade package for the Miami Grand Prix, aimed at strengthening the SF‑26’s competitiveness across a wider range of circuits.
A Ferrari official confirmed the team’s aggressive development pace: “We are in full swing with development. Expect important upgrades in Miami.”