Ferrari Targets Spa with Low-Drag “Macarena” Wing
Ferrari is readying a specialized low-downforce aerodynamic package for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, a tactical move designed to bolster the SF-24’s straight-line speed.
Refining the SF-24 for High-Speed Demands
Spa-Francorchamps demands a delicate balance: aerodynamic efficiency versus the downforce required for technical sections like Pouhon. Ferrari’s latest solution, internally dubbed “Macarena,” is a rear wing specification explicitly designed to minimize air resistance.
The team is also exploring deeper modifications to the car’s configuration. This includes the potential removal of exhaust-area aerodynamic elements that trade drag for downforce, alongside a floor specification tailored specifically for lower-downforce requirements. These adjustments follow data gathering sessions conducted during a recent filming day at the Madrid circuit, where engineers compared various wing profiles on Charles Leclerc’s car.
The Logistics of a Mid-Season Upgrade
Though the package is slated for Spa, its debut hinges on production capacity. The Scuderia is prioritizing a sufficient supply of spare parts to ensure both drivers can run the new specification throughout the race weekend. The goal is to avoid any mid-event reversion to older configurations should accident damage occur.
A final decision on the upgrade’s participation will arrive just before the event begins. The team is currently managing a tight production schedule to meet technical requirements for the final race before the summer break.
Chasing Red Bull and McLaren
Ferrari’s recent performance, punctuated by Charles Leclerc’s victory at the British Grand Prix, has tightened the gap at the front of the field. Yet, the team continues to refine the SF-24 to match specific circuit characteristics.
This focus on straight-line speed directly addresses the demands of Spa-Francorchamps and the upcoming Italian Grand Prix at Monza, both of which are notoriously power-sensitive. While internal projections regarding top-speed gains remain private, this development is part of a broader effort to sustain momentum through the middle phase of the 2024 season.