Hamilton Details Why Ferrari Abandoned Experimental Wing Design at Shanghai
Ferrari's experimental rear wing configuration, nicknamed the "Macarena wing," lasted just a single practice session at the Chinese Grand Prix before the team opted to return to its standard Melbourne specification. Lewis Hamilton provided insight into the reasoning behind the swift decision to shelve the innovative design.
The Scuderia's bold aerodynamic experiment at Shanghai proved to be short-lived, as the team abandoned its distinctive rear wing concept after sampling it during opening practice. The unconventional design, which had generated considerable attention in the paddock, was quickly replaced with Ferrari's established rear wing setup from the Melbourne configuration.
According to Hamilton, the decision to revert to familiar hardware came down to performance considerations during the initial running. The brief trial of the experimental wing suggested that the team would be better served by sticking with the proven design that had been used earlier in the 2026 season.
The swift abandonment of the "Macarena wing" reflects Ferrari's pragmatic approach to development, prioritizing competitive performance over experimentation when track conditions and early data suggested the modification was not delivering the desired benefits. With just one practice session needed to evaluate the concept, the team made the calculated choice to return to what they knew would work reliably for the remainder of the weekend in China.
Original source
F1Technical
Related Regulations
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Full Regulation Text
Article B2.1.2
Free Practice Sessions - Alternative Format
Chapter: B2
In Simple Terms
On the first day of track running at a Grand Prix weekend, teams get one practice session called FP1 that lasts for 1 hour. This gives drivers and teams a chance to familiarize themselves with the track, test their cars, and gather data before the more important qualifying and race sessions.
- FP1 is held on the first day of track running
- Session duration is exactly 1 hour
- Used for initial setup testing and track familiarization
- Alternative format option for weekend structure
Official FIA Text
One 1-hour free practice session (FP1) on first day of track running.
Article C3.11.1
Rear Wing Profiles
Chapter: C3
In Simple Terms
The rear wing must fit within a specific design area and can have up to three separate sections. It cannot have inward-curving surfaces visible from underneath, and any inward curves visible from above must have a minimum radius of 100mm to ensure safety and fair aerodynamic performance.
- Rear wing bodywork must stay within the defined RV-RW-PROFILES design box
- Maximum of three non-overlapping sections allowed in the rear wing structure
- No concave (inward-curving) surfaces allowed when viewed from below
- Any concave surfaces visible from above must have at least 100mm radius to prevent sharp curves
Official FIA Text
Rear Wing Profiles Bodywork must lie in its entirety within RV-RW-PROFILES, comprise of up to three non-intersecting simply connected volumes, and contain no concave radius of curvature visible from below and no concave radius less than 100mm visible from above.
Article B6.6.5
Test parts, Test Software, Component Changes & Set-up Changes
Chapter: B6
In Simple Terms
Teams can test new parts and software during official tyre tests, but the car's basic setup must stay the same throughout the test. They can only make changes to the car's mechanical setup, driver controls, or software if it's absolutely necessary to properly test the tyres or complete the test.
- Test parts and test software are allowed during tyre tests
- The car must maintain a fixed specification, configuration and setup
- Mechanical setup changes are only permitted if necessary for tyre evaluation
- Any component or software changes must be justified by tyre testing requirements
Official FIA Text
Test parts and test software are permitted. However, the Car must remain in a fixed specification, configuration and set-up. Mechanical set-up changes, driver control changes, software and component changes are only permitted if necessary for correct evaluation of tyres or to complete the tyre test.
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