Ferrari reveal curious innovation on Charles Leclerc’s car alongside Macarena wing at the Chinese GP

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Ferrari have revealed a small wing on the Halo on Charles Leclerc’s car at the 2026 F1 Chinese Grand Prix, along with the Macarena rear wing they unveiled during testing.

The Scuderia stole the show on the Thursday morning at the second official pre-season test in Bahrain when Lewis Hamilton broke cover with their inventive Macarena rear wing. But it only stayed on the SF-26 for five laps before the pride of Italy returned to their normal wing.

Ferrari did not take the Macarena rear wing to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, either, as the Maranello crew felt it was not suitable for Albert Park’s kinked back straight from Turn 9 to Turn 11. But the wing is set to make its race weekend debut in China.

Hamilton gained 10km/h (6.2mph) on Bahrain’s straights with Ferrari’s Macarena rear wing, which should pay off this week along the Shanghai International Circuit’s 1.2km (0.7m) back straight. Also, Ferrari’s Macarena rear wing saves energy by reducing the SF-26’s drag.

Ferrari have revealed a small wing on the Halo support on Charles Leclerc’s car in China

Ferrari have also now revealed a ‘curious’ small wing fixed to the Halo ahead of the Chinese GP, according to Sky Sports Italy. The wing was visible on Leclerc’s car in the garage after the Scuderia’s practice pit stops on Thursday, suggesting they will use it at least in practice.

READ MORE: How to watch the 2026 Chinese GP, with F1 Sprint and Grand Prix start times

Additionally, Motorsport.com adds that the small, curved wing on either side of the base of the central Halo support pillar is designed to tidy the airflow generated by the pillar. Ferrari have designed the wing to direct the airflow over the Halo before it hits the driver’s helmet.

Ferrari have revealed the wing on the Halo support pillar as well as using the Macarena wing at the Chinese GP, as the Scuderia believe continues updates in the early stages of the 2026 F1 season will be vital. The pride of Italy feel the ability to act fast will make a big difference.

Ferrari will want to improve their energy management on Shanghai’s 1.2km back straight

Ferrari’s new wing on the Halo on Leclerc’s car before the 2026 Chinese GP would suggest the aero designers in Maranello believe the improved airflow can work with their Macarena rear wing. The wing could help to ensure that the airflow stays attached to the engine cover.

Physical upgrades are not the only modifications that Ferrari have made to the SF-26 ahead of the Chinese GP, either. Ferrari are introducing a software update in China that they hope can help Hamilton and Leclerc further improve their energy management levels in Shanghai.

The software upgrade is aimed at improving the charging and deployment of the MGU-K in medium and high-speed corners. Mercedes enjoyed an energy management advantage at the Australian GP, as George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli were less prone to clipping.

Ferrari will hope their software and physical upgrades at the Chinese GP pay off, as it will be important to have the right battery levels at the start of the 1.2km (0.7m) back straight. It is expected that most drivers will save most, if not all, of their energy to use it on the straight.