McLaren is set to test its own version of the upside-down rear wing, often referred to as the 'Macarena-style' wing, during the first practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. This trial forms part of a broader upgrade package aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the MCL40 for the 2026 season.
The introduction of this rear wing was initially planned for the Austrian Grand Prix but was postponed due to garage constraints and the need for further refinement. Alongside the wing, McLaren is bringing a significant upgrade package that includes a redesigned floor and other aerodynamic components. The team has acknowledged a development gap of two to three months behind rivals such as Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, and these updates are part of an effort to narrow that deficit.
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, has indicated that the Hungarian Grand Prix will provide the first opportunity to assess the progress made with their new aerodynamic direction. However, the upside-down rear wing will only be used during the initial practice session and removed for the remainder of the weekend. The team does not plan to deploy this wing fully at Hungary or the following race in the Netherlands but may consider it for later events on circuits where drag reduction is particularly beneficial, such as Monza or Baku.
The concept of the upside-down rear wing gained attention after Ferrari introduced the original design during winter testing, inspiring McLaren to develop their own interpretation. Red Bull also experimented with a similar wing, but their version faced reliability and safety challenges, including incidents involving Max Verstappen, which led to its temporary withdrawal and ongoing improvements.
Oscar Piastri will be the driver to test McLaren’s version of the wing in free practice one. While no detailed performance data or driver feedback has been released yet, the trial represents a cautious step towards integrating this aerodynamic feature. The team’s approach reflects a measured strategy to validate the design before committing to a full race deployment.
McLaren’s broader upgrade package aims to address the aerodynamic shortcomings that have left the MCL40 trailing its main competitors. The redesigned floor and other aero parts are expected to complement the rear wing trial, potentially offering improved balance and efficiency. However, the team remains mindful of the challenges involved in closing the development gap within a highly competitive field.
This measured testing approach highlights McLaren’s focus on incremental progress rather than immediate transformation. The Hungarian Grand Prix practice sessions will offer valuable insights into how these upgrades perform under track conditions, informing decisions on their application at future races. The team’s cautious rollout underscores the complexity of aerodynamic development in the current Formula 1® landscape.
