McLaren is reportedly creating their own version of the "Macarena" rear wing

The rise of the "Macarena" wing

The Formula 1 paddock is currently gripped by a new aerodynamic trend that has teams scrambling to the drawing board. Following Ferrari’s bold experimentation with their radical ‘Macarena’ rear wing design, both Red Bull and McLaren are now actively pursuing their own interpretations of the concept.

Ferrari’s radical innovation

First unveiled during pre-season testing on Lewis Hamilton’s SF-26, the ‘Macarena’ wing immediately captured attention for its unconventional movement. The design features a flap capable of rotating approximately 200 degrees, effectively flipping upside down during straight-line operation.

While the concept promises significant gains in top speed by reducing drag, it has not yet seen competitive action. After private testing, Ferrari opted to shelve the design for Grand Prix weekends, including appearances in China and Japan, as the team works to resolve issues regarding rear stability—a recurring challenge for Hamilton throughout the 2025 season. The team has since focused on re-developing the endplates to better integrate the actuator and improve airflow management.

Red Bull and McLaren join the fray

The potential performance benefits have triggered a swift response from rivals. Red Bull recently conducted a private test of their own ‘Macarena’ concept during a filming day at Silverstone. Seeking to improve the performance of the RB22, which has struggled to find pace in the opening three rounds, Red Bull has opted for a more conservative approach.

Unlike the extreme 200-degree rotation seen on the Ferrari, the Red Bull design utilizes modified attachment points between the flap and endplates. This allows for a unidirectional movement of approximately 110-120 degrees, prioritizing reduced mechanical complexity and faster development cycles.

Following Red Bull’s lead, McLaren is also expected to introduce their own interpretation of the ‘Macarena’ wing in future developments. As teams continue to push the boundaries of active aerodynamics, the race to master this technology could prove pivotal in the 2026 championship battle.

For more on the latest technical developments and team upgrades, check out our recent coverage on McLaren's major upgrade package for Miami and Canada and Ferrari's validation of their own upgrades at Monza.