Red Bull Racing is currently investigating two separate rear wing failures that led to crashes for Max Verstappen over consecutive race weekends. The incidents, which occurred at Spielberg and Silverstone, have raised concerns about the reliability and safety of the team's innovative active aerodynamic system.
Verstappen experienced these failures despite the issues being caused by different faults. After the first incident in Spielberg, Red Bull identified the cause, but the subsequent failure at Silverstone was unexpected and unrelated. The rear wing in question features a unique rotating mechanism, known as the "Macarena wing," which creates the largest opening on the grid by rotating up to 160 degrees in one direction. This design contrasts with Ferrari’s system, which rotates 270 degrees in the opposite direction. The concept was developed starting in November 2025 and made its debut in Miami following initial delays.
The system has proven effective at reducing drag, a key factor on high-speed circuits, but Verstappen has described the failures as "super dangerous." Red Bull is working closely with the FIA to conduct a thorough investigation, aiming to eliminate any risks before deciding on the wing's use at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps. Given the circuit's high-speed and energy-demanding nature, drag reduction remains crucial, making the wing's performance particularly important.
Red Bull has stated that all options remain open for Spa, including the possibility of not using the rotating rear wing if safety cannot be guaranteed. While the team values the aerodynamic benefits of the concept, safety is the priority, and reverting to an older wing design is considered if necessary. Verstappen's frustration with the repeated failures is understandable, given the risks involved and the impact on his performance.
In comparison, McLaren has developed its own rotating rear wing but has taken a cautious approach by not deploying it yet. The team may consider introducing it at Spa, but their strategy remains conservative to avoid similar reliability concerns.
The ongoing investigation highlights the challenges teams face when pushing aerodynamic innovation in Formula 1®. Red Bull's approach reflects a balance between pursuing performance gains and ensuring driver safety. The outcome of this inquiry will be closely watched, as it could influence the use of active aerodynamic systems in the near future.
