Ferrari to run innovative ‘flip-flop’ wing in FP1 at the Chinese GP

Ferrari have confirmed their intention to run the radical ‘flip-flop’ wing in FP1 at the Shanghai International Circuit, showcasing it for the first time since pre-season testing in Bahrain.

The Scuderia introduced the striking feature of a rotating rear wing on Day 2 of the second pre-season test in Bahrain, catching plenty of eyes during the session.

Instead of simply switching from an angled to flat position, the component flips completely upside down, creating a bigger gap for air to travel through and subsequently reducing drag when driving down the straights.

While its exact impact on performance isn’t fully known, with each team running various set-ups, it was an early indication of Ferrari capitalising on the new regulations by thinking outside the box, and its effect will be seen over a race weekend for the first time in China.

Asked whether the radical design brings an advantage, Lewis Hamilton said: “We did a full day or so on the wing – I think we did. I’m so grateful to the team because it was actually supposed to be later down the line, and they worked really hard to develop it and get it brought here.”

The Scuderia are keen to close down the gap to Mercedes after they lost out in the season opener at Albert Park, Hamilton crossing the line in fourth behind his team mate Charles Leclerc while George Russell and Kimi Antonelli occupied the top two spots.

With the Chinese circuit offering significantly different characteristics to Albert Park, they are hopeful that the constant work behind the scenes and developments like the ‘flip-flop’ or ‘Macarena’ wing could help them take a step closer to the Silver Arrows.

In addition, it will be used in the sole practice session before the squad must prepare for Sprint Qualifying, hopefully providing them with fresh lessons to carry forward into the rest of the weekend.

“It’s great to see that the team are fighting, the team are pushing and chasing and really working overtime back at the factory to be able to bring upgrades, because that’s the name of the game,” Hamilton added.

“Last year I didn’t get to see the team’s full potential in that mode, because we were focused on this year’s car. I don’t know if it has an official name… Someone said ‘Macarena’, I have no idea why! It's the 'flip-flop' wing!”