Red Bull has reinstated its unchanged 2026 rear‑wing in the early stages of the season after two high‑profile incidents involving a reversible design.
Reversible wing blamed for crashes
In Austria, Max Verstappen’s qualifying session ended with a heavy crash when the wing failed to close properly. The incident mirrored a spin into the stony curb at Stowe during the British Grand Prix free practice. Those events prompted the team to replace the toggling system with the original shape that had debuted in the opening races.
Ferrari’s ‘Macarena’ pushes limits of design
Ferrari pioneered a 180‑degree rotating flap in winter testing, a move dubbed the “Macarena” for its flip‑over mechanism. The design offered markedly lower drag on straight‑line speed and was slated for testing at pilot sessions, though it has yet to clash with the FIA’s module constraints. Ferrari’s success has led to the team maintaining confidence in the solution, whereas Red Bull’s version suffered from reliability problems.
McLaren’s aborted attempt highlights the challenge
The Woking outfit originally planned to use an inverted rear wing during an Irish free‑practice session before deciding the concept required further refinement. Their pause underscores the complexity of integrating novel aerodynamic features without jeopardising safety.
Assessing the FIA’s safety review
Safety inspectors from the FIA are scrutinising both the Red Bull and Ferrari reverse‑wing configurations. Red Bull’s design must now undergo significant modifications at its Milton Keynes base before any return to competitive use. The organisation’s focus on “dangerous” issues is mirrored in the governing body’s strict oversight.
Looking ahead: Wanting the original
Verstappen explained that his team would revert to the “old” wing until the latest iteration proves robust. Red Bull is actively developing a safer rotating wing, aiming to re‑introduction at the forthcoming German race if the reliability concerns are resolved. The incident serves as a reminder that aerodynamic ambition must always be nested within dependable engineering.
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