Jul.23 (GMM) Formula 1’s rotating rear-wing battle is set to intensify in Hungary, with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all preparing versions of the so-called ‘Macarena’ concept.
Ferrari is expected to debut a refined version of the concept it pioneered early this season, with Auto Motor und Sport reporting that the latest design is intended to reduce drag when open while also generating more downforce when closed.
The upper flap will reportedly feature small extensions similar to Mercedes’ solution, particularly useful at the high-downforce Hungaroring.
Red Bull is also preparing to reintroduce its own version after abandoning it at Spa following two alarming high-speed failures on Max Verstappen’s car.
“It’s a mechanical problem we detected after the Silverstone accident,” technical director Pierre Wache said. “We know what happened, we’ve fixed it.”
The FIA investigated whether the concept presented a wider safety risk, but Wache said Red Bull has now explained its corrective work to the governing body.
“We have demonstrated what we have done to the FIA. It is up to us to be more cautious now.”
“We don’t want to take any risks and we want to be 100 percent sure.”
McLaren will become the third team to test the rotating concept after an intended Austrian debut was abandoned because of mechanical difficulties during assembly.
The experimental wing will run only in Friday practice in Hungary, and is also not expected to race at Zandvoort, with McLaren instead targeting a possible competitive debut at faster circuits such as Monza or Baku.
The wing forms part of a larger upgrade for McLaren that also includes a completely new floor and other aerodynamic changes.
“It’s difficult to compete at the level of Ferrari and Mercedes right now, but we expect to see an acceleration in our competitiveness from Hungary onwards,” team boss Andrea Stella said.
Stella believes the package should help address McLaren’s cornering deficit.
“In both Budapest and Zandvoort, Ferrari will probably be the fastest car again,” said the Italian. “They have very strong cornering speed and we’re still lacking a bit of grip there.”
“The upgrades should help us in that regard. We’ve also planned new parts for the races after that.”
“I hope we can fight for wins again in the second half of the season.”
McLaren also hopes the changes will make the car easier for Oscar Piastri to exploit.
“The drivers keep saying that this generation of race cars requires a specific driving style,” Stella said.
“If you drive too cleanly, you won’t get good laptimes in the end. You have to really attack and accept that the car will slide.”
“You have to be really active on the steering wheel.”
Stella said Lando Norris has adapted more naturally to those demands than Piastri. “But we see this phenomenon with other teammates as well, for example with Antonelli and Russell, or sometimes with Hamilton and Leclerc.”
“I’m sure we’ll find a solution and that Oscar’s full talent will shine through again,” he said.
