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F1 | Ferrari beware! Two teams are already copying the SF-26 trick
Ferrari isn’t the only team experimenting with cutting-edge aerodynamics this season. The new rear wing, nicknamed the “Macarena” and also called the “flip flop” or reverse wing, could become one of the most intriguing technical topics of the Formula 1 season. According to Matteo Bobbi, Ferrari isn’t the only team working on this specific aerodynamic solution.
The Macarena wing: designed for higher efficiency
The Ferrari development aims to improve aerodynamic efficiency, particularly on the longest straights, reducing drag while maintaining sufficient downforce in slower sections of the track. Bobbi explained that this configuration could deliver a meaningful speed advantage. “Ferrari should bring the wing called Macarena, or flip flop. It’s that reverse wing that should give an advantage mainly on the very long straights, slightly reducing drag,” he said.
Other teams are working on similar concepts
According to Matteo Bobbi, Ferrari started exploring the Macarena concept last year. “Ferrari submitted the drawings to the federation around June,” he added, meaning the project was developed well in advance of its potential track debut. But the real news is that Ferrari may not be alone in pursuing this solution. “Be careful, because there are two other teams that already have something similar ready and have submitted their drawings to the federation,” Matteo Bobbi revealed.
Rapid adoption possible if the concept works
Reports from the paddock indicate that these teams submitted their technical documents between July and August last year. This suggests that if the Macarena wing proves effective on track, the concept could spread quickly among teams. For this reason, the aerodynamic developments in the coming months will be closely monitored by engineers, analysts, and fans alike.
With such high stakes, the race for innovation isn’t just about lap times anymore—it’s also about being the first to successfully deploy these advanced solutions on track. Ferrari’s Macarena wing could be a game-changer, but with competitors already working on similar concepts, the fight for aerodynamic supremacy is set to intensify.
The revelation that two rival teams have already mirrored Ferrari’s “Macarena” wing confirms that the 2026 technical battle is moving at a breakneck pace. In the world of active aerodynamics, being the pioneer often comes with a target on your back. If Ferrari’s SF-26 dominates the speed traps in China, it will serve as a green light for those rival designs to move from the FIA’s filing cabinet directly onto the grid. While Ferrari’s early submission gives them the “first-mover” advantage in terms of data collection and software integration, the rapid convergence of design suggests that the 2026 season will be won by the team that can iterate the fastest. The race in Shanghai isn’t just for points; it’s the first real-world validation of a technical gamble that could redefine Formula 1’s aero philosophy for the next years.
Mar 13, 2026
