Red Bull Racing will continue without using the controversial rear wing nicknamed ‘Macarena’ at the Belgian Formula 1 GP, but is already working to reintroduce the component in the future. According to Isack Hadjar, the team’s goal is to develop a safer version after the problems recently experienced with Max Verstappen.
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The component was involved in incidents suffered by the four-time world champion at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, leading the team to opt for a return to the previous specification for the Spa-Francorchamps round. Still, internally, the expectation is that the part can return to the car as soon as the identified issues are resolved.
Hadjar stated that the visual change is more noticeable than the practical difference in the RB22’s performance: “Visually, it is obviously a big change, but on the car it is not as much as people might imagine. It is even difficult for us to measure exactly the loss when going back to the previous setup,” he said.
The driver believes that Red Bull’s competitiveness should not suffer significant impact over the Belgian weekend: “We still believe we will have a similar level of competitiveness as last weekend, even if it is a less impressive rear wing. But we are working for the other to return as soon as possible and in a safer way,” he said.
Hadjar also commented on the fact that he was not affected by the problems recorded in recent races. For him, there was an important element of luck in the situation faced by the team’s drivers.
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“I think I was quite lucky for two consecutive rounds. It really depended on chance. It could have not happened to any of us or it could have happened four times to both,” said Hadjar. The driver also showed solidarity with his teammate: “Unfortunately, Max ended up going through it for me. To be honest, his problem is also my problem, and we need to solve it,” he added.
Verstappen also spoke about the decision to temporarily abandon the ‘Macarena’ wing. The Dutchman made it clear that he was not responsible for the choice but agreed with the measure adopted by the team.
“No, I think that was clear to everyone. It was the most sensible decision for this weekend,” said the four-time world champion. Despite this, he acknowledged that the previous specification may cost a few tenths per lap.
“I think it is a bit slower, but that will not completely change the scenario,” Verstappen concluded, reinforcing confidence that Red Bull will remain competitive while working to definitively solve the problems of the new rear wing.
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