Ferrari's New Rear Wing Upgrade Borrows from McLaren's Playbook

Ferrari has unveiled its upgraded "Macarena" rear wing, integrating winglet cascades that closely mirror a technical direction previously explored by McLaren. The update is specifically designed to increase downforce for the Hungarian Grand Prix, utilizing the "legality box" typically reserved for the rear wing activator to house additional aerodynamic elements.

Why it matters:

The Hungaroring is a circuit where maximizing downforce is far more critical than minimizing drag on the straights. By implementing these extra winglets, Ferrari is addressing a strategic gap from the Monaco Grand Prix, where several rivals transitioned to this setup while the Scuderia maintained a more conventional configuration. Adopting this trend is essential for the team to remain competitive on high-downforce circuits.

The Details:

• Triple-Element Design: The centerpiece of the update is a three-element wing series in the central area, a configuration very similar to the one McLaren deployed in Monaco.
• Structural Enhancements: Ferrari has introduced additional hangars above the rear wing's upper element, further contributing to the overall downforce levels.
• Grid Convergence: Ferrari is not alone in this pursuit; Mercedes has also introduced a new rear wing specification for the weekend, featuring extra winglets on the upper flap to optimize airflow.

The Big Picture:

While Ferrari focuses on increasing downforce, McLaren is concurrently experimenting with its own "Macarena" variant—this time focusing on a low-drag version. After a failed attempt to debut the design in Austria due to early reliability issues, Woking has fitted a revised version to Oscar Piastri’s car for opening practice. This highlights a broader trend where teams are using the Hungarian GP as a high-stakes laboratory for rear-wing efficiency before the season's final stretch.

What's next:

McLaren intends to treat the Hungarian GP as a live test, planning to revert to its regular wing design for qualifying. However, if the revised low-drag version proves viable, it is expected to make its official competitive debut at the Italian Grand Prix. For Ferrari, the focus remains on whether this borrowed aerodynamic logic provides the necessary edge to reclaim a dominant position at the front of the grid.