Red Bull Racing has decided to revert to its original rear wing design for the Belgian Grand Prix following two high-speed crashes involving Max Verstappen. The incidents were linked to the team's innovative rotating rear wing, which had raised safety concerns after failing to close properly during critical moments.
The rotating rear wing concept, inspired by Ferrari’s so-called "Macarena" wing, was introduced by Red Bull in May 2026 at the Miami Grand Prix. This design features a main flap that rotates 180 degrees to reduce drag on straights, aiming to improve overall aerodynamic efficiency. However, Verstappen experienced two significant crashes related to the wing’s malfunction: one during qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix and another at the British Grand Prix.
Due to these safety and reliability issues, Red Bull will use its conventional rear wing design at the Belgian Grand Prix. The team is currently working on modifications at its Milton Keynes factory with the intention to reintroduce the rotating wing once it meets safety standards. Meanwhile, the FIA is closely examining the rear wing designs of both Red Bull and Ferrari following these events. Ferrari’s version of the rotating wing has remained reliable and is not under pressure to change.
Besides Red Bull and Ferrari, McLaren also developed a similar rotating rear wing concept but decided to pause its deployment after initial plans to test it at the Austrian Grand Prix. The Belgian Grand Prix will see Red Bull return to a more conventional aerodynamic setup while the team addresses the issues linked to the rotating wing.
Max Verstappen’s crashes highlighted the challenges of introducing new aerodynamic innovations in Formula 1®. While the rotating rear wing concept offers potential performance gains by optimizing drag reduction, its reliability under race conditions remains critical. Red Bull’s decision to revert to the original wing reflects a cautious approach prioritizing driver safety and consistent performance.
The FIA’s ongoing scrutiny of rear wing designs underscores the regulatory attention given to aerodynamic developments that can impact both safety and competition. Ferrari’s rotating wing has so far demonstrated dependable operation, setting a benchmark for similar innovations. Red Bull’s efforts to refine their design will be closely followed as the season progresses.
This situation illustrates the balance teams must maintain between pushing aerodynamic boundaries and ensuring reliability. Red Bull’s choice to temporarily step back from the rotating wing concept at the Belgian Grand Prix provides a clear example of this dynamic within the current Formula 1® season.
