Ferrari has introduced an upgraded version of its ‘Macarena’ rear wing for the 2026 Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. This development aims to enhance downforce on the SF-26 around the Hungaroring, a circuit known for its high-downforce demands. The Italian team’s design incorporates additional aerodynamic elements.
These new components are positioned within the defined legality box, specifically where the rear wing actuator typically resides. Ferrari has opted for a triple deflector, or a cluster of curved mini winglets, mirroring solutions previously adopted by rival teams.
The Hungaroring’s layout, characterised by tight, twisty, medium- and low-speed corners, necessitates maximum aerodynamic load. This makes the circuit comparable to Monaco in its downforce requirements.
The introduction of these winglets follows comments made by Lewis Hamilton earlier in the 2026 season. Hamilton suggested Ferrari had ‘missed a trick’ by not implementing similar high-downforce rear wing configurations at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Ferrari was notably the sole front-running team that did not feature such rear wing modifications in Monaco. Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, and Racing Bulls had all utilised similar aerodynamic appendages at that event.
Concurrently, McLaren is also set to debut its own iteration of the ‘Macarena’ rear wing during Friday practice sessions in Budapest. This marks the first race weekend appearance for McLaren’s version.
McLaren had initially planned to test this experimental wing in Austria. However, the team abandoned those plans after encountering early technical issues with the MCL40.
Randy Singh, McLaren’s senior director of racing, confirmed the team’s intention to gather data on the new parts. McLaren is expected to revert to an older-specification rear wing following Friday’s running.
The Woking-based squad does not anticipate racing this specific wing in Hungary or at the subsequent Dutch Grand Prix. Their focus remains on understanding its performance characteristics.
Ferrari’s upgraded wing represents the third version of its ‘Macarena’ design for the SF-26. This continuous development underscores the team’s aggressive push for performance gains.
Red Bull is also anticipated to reintroduce its version of the ‘Macarena’ wing at the Hungaroring. Technical Director Pierre Waché confirmed that previous defects causing crashes have been resolved.
Mercedes is additionally expected to run a new specification of its rear wing in Hungary, featuring extra winglets on its upper flap. This indicates a widespread focus on high-downforce solutions.
Ferrari Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur has emphasised the necessity of perfect execution throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend. He acknowledged the track’s potential suitability for the SF-26, but cautioned against complacency.
The team will also revert to its high-downforce floor specification for the Hungaroring. This comprehensive aerodynamic package aims to maximise the SF-26’s cornering strengths.
