Ferrari to Resume Testing of Innovative Rotating Rear Wing at Japanese Grand Prix Following Shanghai Setback

Ferrari principal Fred Vasseur confirms more testing for the team's rotating rear wing in Japan after a difficult debut in China.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 7:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

The Technical Gamble of the Rotating Wing Architecture

Ferrari has introduced a highly ambitious aerodynamic concept for the 2026 season by debuting a rotating rear wing that departs from the traditional DRS flap mechanism. While the team showcased the part during pre-season testing, its first appearance on a competitive race weekend in Shanghai revealed significant integration challenges. Team Principal Fred Vasseur noted that the primary hurdle remains a lack of operational mileage, which has prevented the team from committing to the part for a full grand prix distance.

Hamilton Spin Highlights Potential Stability Risks

During the first free practice session in China, Lewis Hamilton experienced a dramatic loss of control under braking for the Turn 6 hairpin while the experimental wing was active. Technical analysis suggests that the rotating mechanism may suffer from a "sail-like" effect during its opening and closing phases, which takes longer to cycle than a standard DRS flap. This delay in the reattachment of airflow likely contributed to the instability Hamilton faced, leading him to admit that the decision to deploy the wing in Shanghai may have been premature.

Strategic Testing Protocol for the Japanese Grand Prix

Due to the constraints of the current Formula 1 regulations, which prohibit private testing between races, Ferrari must utilize Friday practice sessions to gather critical reliability data. Vasseur emphasized that the team will "probably" repeat the testing process next week in Japan to ensure the system’s reliability meets the necessary standards for a full weekend introduction. By collecting more mileage at a high-speed circuit like Suzuka, Ferrari hopes to refine the timing of the wing’s activation to prevent further incidents of aerodynamic imbalance during combined braking events.