McLaren has hinted that it could be the next Formula 1 team to adopt the controversial rear wing known as the ‘Macarena’. The concept, which gained prominence after appearances on Ferrari and Red Bull Racing cars, promises to improve airflow and increase downforce.
Read more Porsche Cup reschedules stage 3 to October 10 and 11 in Goiânia
This possible adoption of the innovative solution reinforces the intense technological battle on the grid this season. With two teams already using their own versions of the component, McLaren stated that it is also considering developing its interpretation of the part.
The innovative wing initially appeared on the Ferrari during pre-season testing in Bahrain, installed on the SF-26. After that, a revised version was briefly used in China but was discarded after the free practice sessions that weekend.
The concept returned at the Miami GP after further development work carried out by Ferrari during a filming day in Monza. Red Bull also brought its own version to Miami, saying the project had been conceived before the solution presented by the Italian team.
Read more F1: Gasly is surprised by Red Bull’s crisis in 2026
Zak Brown confirmed that McLaren is closely monitoring the competitors’ moves and is seriously considering the idea. The British team’s CEO told Sky Sports F1 that it is natural for teams to analyze successful solutions seen in competitors: “We have thought about it. As you can imagine, all teams watch what others do. It’s a smart thing and we believe it can be beneficial, so I’m not surprised to see another team using it,” he said.
McLaren has recently built a reputation as a creative team in Formula 1 technical development. In 2024, the team drew attention by introducing the so-called ‘flexible wing’, a concept that led the FIA to tighten technical checks related to the component.
Besides that, the British team was also the subject of suspicions from Red Bull about a possible method to keep tires at lower temperatures during races. The speculations pointed to a performance advantage for the British team, although no irregularity was proven.
Read more Juncadella comments on the reason for Verstappen’s frustration in F1
