Red Bull’s rotating rear‑wing system has caused a second crash in a row as Max Verstappen spun off the track after a sudden malfunction on the weekend at Spielberg, and a further failure followed at the next round.
Two distinct faults, identical outcome
Verstappen clarified that the two incidents stem from unrelated technical faults, yet both resulted in the same loss of control for the Dutch driver.
After his departure during Q3 in Spielberg, Red Bull confirmed the origin of that failure. A separate rear‑wing malfunction emerged a week later, a defect the team had not anticipated.
From “Macarena” to active drag reduction
Red Bull’s latest wing, described by technical director Pierre Wache as a “Macarena‑wing” derivative, was launched in Miami. The design is built around an active aerodynamic system that creates the largest movable element on the grid.
While Ferrari’s wing can rotate 270° in one direction, Red Bull’s counterpart turns up to 160° in the reverse direction, offering a different drag‑reduction profile.
The concept first surfaced in November 2025 with an initial intention for Melbourne, but the team deemed it incomplete and deferred its first on‑track appearance until the Miami race.
Safety supersedes performance
Red Bull stressed that the wing’s drag advantage is offset by increased safety risk. “Super dangerous” was Verstappen’s assessment, especially with the high‑speed Spa‑Francorchamps circuit looming.
Team boss Eric Mekies announced that the wing will not participate in Belgium unless the long‑range analysis shows every potential failure has been eliminated. “We are reviewing the full area to make sure we leave zero chance,” he said.
“If doubt remains, we will be forced to revert to an older, conventional rear‑wing layout at Spa,” Mekies added. That option would sacrifice drag reduction—critical on an energy‑starved track where Red Bull has yet to deliver strong efficiency.
McLaren’s cautious path
McLaren introduced its own rotating wing at Spielberg but opted out of running it in free practice, citing readiness concerns. The wing was again shelved at Silverstone due to the sprint‑format change, leaving Spa as its first real test.
By choosing to hold back, McLaren demonstrates the same risk aversion that Red Bull now faces after two consecutive failures.
Decision time at Spa
Red Bull has already committed to competitive runs in Miami and is gathering data to decide whether to field the rotating wing in Belgium. Teams that can balance drag reduction with absolute safety will secure the advantage as the season moves toward its most dangerous circuits.
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