McLaren are increasingly expected to follow the technical direction already explored by Red Bull Racing, as both teams move to replicate Ferrari’s eye-catching rotating rear wing concept—widely referred to in the paddock as the “Macarena” wing. The innovative solution, originally introduced by Ferrari, has triggered a fresh wave of aerodynamic experimentation across the Formula 1 grid.
The concept first attracted widespread attention during pre-season testing, when Ferrari debuted a highly unconventional rear wing configuration on the SF-26 driven by Lewis Hamilton. The design featured a rotating upper flap capable of dramatically altering its angle under straight-line conditions, reportedly reaching rotation levels of close to 200 degrees. This extreme movement aimed to significantly reduce drag and unlock higher top speeds, offering a potential advantage on power-sensitive circuits.
Despite the initial intrigue and technical curiosity it generated, Ferrari have so far refrained from deploying the system in a full race scenario. The component was briefly evaluated during practice sessions in China, but it was subsequently withdrawn for the remainder of that weekend and was not reintroduced in Japan. This cautious approach reflects the complexity of integrating such an aggressive aerodynamic device into a stable race setup.
Analysis from within the paddock suggests that Ferrari identified rear-end instability as a key drawback of the early version of the system. This issue proved particularly relevant given that Lewis Hamilton had already experienced sensitivity at the rear of the car during the 2025 season. As a result, the Italian side’s engineers and technicians opted to return the concept to Maranello for further refinement, focusing on improving mechanical consistency and aerodynamic balance before committing to race usage.
Even with these challenges, the potential performance upside—primarily linked to reduced aerodynamic drag and improved straight-line efficiency—has been sufficient to attract the attention of rival teams. In Formula 1’s highly competitive development environment, innovations offering even marginal gains are quickly analyzed and often replicated in modified forms.
Red Bull take first step with revised concept as McLaren prepare their own version
Red Bull Racing have already conducted initial testing of their interpretation of the rotating rear wing concept during a controlled filming day at Silverstone. The Milton Keynes-based team are seeking to unlock additional performance from their RB22 after a relatively modest start to the campaign, having accumulated just 16 points across the opening three race weekends.
Rather than directly copying Ferrari’s aggressive execution, Red Bull have opted for a more measured and pragmatic approach. Technical insights indicate that their design incorporates revised attachment points between the wing flap and endplates, utilizing straighter structural extensions relative to the pivot mechanism. This configuration enables rotational movement, but within a more controlled and predictable range.
Compared to Ferrari’s reported 200-degree rotation, Red Bull’s version is understood to deliver approximately 110 to 120 degrees of movement. This reduced range reflects a deliberate emphasis on minimizing mechanical complexity while accelerating the development cycle. By simplifying the system, Red Bull aim to strike a balance between aerodynamic benefit and reliability—an essential consideration under the current cost cap and testing restrictions.
Following Red Bull’s initial evaluation, industry expectations suggest that McLaren will be the next team to introduce a similar concept. Reports indicate that the Woking-based outfit are already working on their own interpretation of the rotating rear wing, with a view to incorporating it into future upgrade packages. McLaren’s strong recent track record in aerodynamic development makes them a serious contender in extracting performance from such innovations.
Ferrari continue refinement as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc await race-ready solution
Ferrari’s original concept remains the most extreme version seen so far, but its path to race readiness has been far from straightforward. The Scuderia have been working extensively to address the structural and aerodynamic limitations identified during early testing phases, with particular attention given to rear stability and airflow consistency.
Recent testing activity at Monza also included procedural checks aimed at ensuring that the design complies fully with Formula 1’s technical regulations. Given the novelty of the concept, legality remains a critical factor, especially as governing bodies continue to monitor flexible and movable aerodynamic elements with increasing scrutiny.
It remains uncertain whether Ferrari will introduce the updated “Macarena” rear wing at the Miami Grand Prix. However, internal expectations suggest that circuits like Canada—where straight-line speed plays a decisive role—could provide a more suitable environment for its competitive debut.
As part of the ongoing development process, Ferrari have reportedly implemented significant revisions to the wing’s endplate geometry, improving the integration of the actuator mechanism responsible for controlling flap rotation. These changes are intended to enhance airflow management across the rear of the car, reducing turbulence while maintaining stability under varying load conditions.
For both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, the successful deployment of this system could represent a meaningful step forward in Ferrari’s performance trajectory. In a season defined by rapid innovation and aggressive development, the evolution of the rotating rear wing concept may prove to be one of the most influential technical storylines shaping the competitive order in Formula 1.
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