Red Bull Racing is preparing to bring back its rotating rear wing, often referred to as the ‘Macarena’ wing, at the Hungarian Grand Prix after addressing mechanical concerns. The wing, which was initially introduced by Ferrari under the new 2026 regulations, is designed to enhance straight-line speed by adjusting its position on straights.
According to Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache, the team identified and worked on a mechanical issue related to the wing’s actuator following Max Verstappen’s crashes in recent rounds. These incidents occurred during qualifying at the Red Bull Ring and the race at Silverstone, prompting Red Bull to revert to a conventional rear wing at the Belgian Grand Prix for safety reasons.
The rotating rear wing concept was first seen on Ferrari’s car this season and was adopted by Red Bull at the Miami Grand Prix. However, after the actuator problem became apparent, the team chose to temporarily withdraw the wing while collaborating with the FIA to ensure its reliability and safety. Verstappen described the wing as “super dangerous” after the incidents, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
Despite the challenges with the wing, Verstappen showed competitive pace during practice sessions at the Belgian Grand Prix, although the team noted ongoing work was needed to improve car balance and tyre degradation. The return of the ‘Macarena’ wing is expected to provide a boost in straight-line performance, which is a key factor on certain circuits.
Red Bull’s approach reflects a cautious but determined effort to reintegrate the rotating wing once the mechanical faults have been resolved. The collaboration with the FIA underlines the importance of safety in introducing innovative aerodynamic features within the current regulatory framework.
While the wing’s comeback at the Hungarian Grand Prix is anticipated, it remains subject to final confirmation based on the team’s progress and FIA approval. This development illustrates the ongoing technical evolution within the sport as teams explore new ways to gain performance advantages under the 2026 regulations.
The situation also highlights the balance teams must strike between innovation and reliability, especially when new aerodynamic concepts are introduced. Red Bull’s experience with the rotating rear wing will be closely observed as the season progresses, with attention on how effectively the team can manage the technical challenges involved.