Lewis Hamilton has revealed that Ferrari will drive with the ‘Macarena’ rear wing during the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend. The unique design was already briefly tested during winter testing in Bahrain and attracted a lot of attention then. Now Ferrari is bringing the upgrade into action for the first time during a race weekend. “I don’t think there are direct noticeable advantages,” said the seven-time world champion.
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The new rear wing – which can rotate more than 180 degrees – previously caused discussion in the paddock. Especially the question of whether the system fell within the rules was raised. Due to the new regulations, more flexibility is allowed around the rear wing, which is why the design was declared legal by the FIA. The concept should give Ferrari an advantage with downforce and drag. “Someone called the wing the ‘Macarena’, but I have no idea why. It’s the flip-flop wing,” Lewis Hamilton told the media in the China paddock.
‘I am curious’
Hamilton does not yet want to elaborate on what the exact benefits are. According to the Briton, Ferrari has already collected enough data during the tests. “I don’t think there are direct noticeable advantages. We drove a full test day with this wing, so we collected all the data we needed,” Hamilton concluded. According to him, the system does not feel different from previous years. “It actually feels the same as before. We only see it moving in the mirror, so I’m curious what it will do here on the track.”
In the Straight Mode Zones, the rear wing can be opened, creating a slot – just like with the DRS system. Unlike DRS, however, drivers are allowed to open the wing on the straights at any time from this season, regardless of the distance to the car in front.
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‘Overtime’
According to Hamilton, the introduction of the rear wing was originally planned for later in the season. However, Ferrari managed to accelerate the development. “The design was actually planned for later, so I am extremely grateful to the team that they were able to develop it so quickly and bring it here,” said the seven-time world champion. The Briton emphasizes that the hard work in the factory plays an important role in the upgrade. “It’s great to see the team working so hard and that overtime is being worked in the factory to bring upgrades. That is ultimately what this sport is all about.”
Whether the new rear wing actually provides an advantage will have to be seen this weekend in China. Hamilton also expects that the competition is not sitting still. Especially Mercedes remains an important benchmark according to him. “The pace of development is currently high for everyone. It will be interesting to see who comes with new upgrades in the coming races. We are going to try to catch up with Mercedes and I believe we can.”
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