McLaren’s rotating rear‑wing concept, still under development, may add a new edge to aerodynamic efficiency after Ferrari’s 2024 testing breakthrough.
Ferrari sparks a new rear‑wing battle
Ferrari launched a 180‑degree rotating wing in Bahrain, showing dramatic straight‑line drag reduction as the element swung into a more compact shape.
The move captured the attention of teams and fans alike, forcing rival designers to reassess whether a missed opportunity strategy could salvage performance gains.
Red Bull followed suit with its own variation, but two on‑track incidents involving Max Verstappen highlighted the fragility of the concept.
McLaren struggles to catch up
McLaren’s tech director, Neil Houldey, admitted the squad felt “disappointed” not to leap on the idea as quickly as competitors.
Lab trials began after the 2024 winter tests, but an Austria practice session revealed a garage‑level issue that forced the team to retreat to the factory hall for debugging.
After refining the three‑link mechanism, the wing was fitted in Hungary, performing as a test item with promise for a future race debut.
Houldey noted the project was “behind the curve” because several other aerodynamic upgrades promised a higher immediate payoff.
Future prospects and risks
McLaren still intends to fit a reliable solution on the next car, but acknowledges activation timing and aerodynamic load re‑establishment present notable uncertainties.
The design promises tighter drag figures and a cleaner downforce profile, yet the risk of delayed thruster weights and the potential for early aero stalls remain on the radar.
As the 2026 rulebook pushes teams toward more dynamic components, McLaren aims to incorporate the rotating concept in its forthcoming wing generation.
With the season’s evolution, the technical push will focus on balancing robust activation mechanisms and the necessary aerodynamic precision.
Photo credit: Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images / NurPhoto via Getty Images
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