The controversial ‘Macarena’ rear wing is widely represented in Hungary. For example, Ferrari is opting for extra aerodynamic elements on their well-known design at the Hungaroring, where maximum downforce is crucial. Red Bull – which previously struggled with this type of wing – also seems to be reverting to the Macarena concept. McLaren has also brought a Macarena wing to Budapest, although the team is currently only using it for tests.
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While several teams already mounted aerodynamic parts around the so-called actuator – the central drive element of the rear wing – during the Monaco GP, Ferrari stuck to a conventional solution at the time. In Hungary, the Italian racing stable is still opting for a three-part construction in the middle of the wing. The design strongly resembles the version McLaren used earlier this season. In addition, extra suspension brackets have been fitted above the upper wing element to further increase downforce.
Images from the Red Bull garage reveal that Max Verstappen is also using a variant of the Macarena rear wing this weekend. The Dutchman already had a similar design in Austria and Great Britain, but because the wing did not close sufficiently there, he ended up in the wall twice. The team therefore returned to a traditional design during the Belgian GP. At the time, Red Bull personnel already confirmed that the Macarena wing could be used again in Hungary.
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McLaren in testing phase
McLaren has also brought a new version of its Macarena rear wing to Budapest. The team originally wanted to test the wing during the Austrian GP, but decided against it at the last minute after some technical problems came to light. After modifications at the factory in Woking, a revised version has now been fitted to Oscar Piastri’s car for the first free practice session.
McLaren is using the updated rear wing exclusively for testing purposes this weekend. For qualifying, the team is expected to revert to the regular configuration. If the test is successful, the wing will likely be used in a race context for the first time during the Italian GP. At Monza – also known as The Temple of Speed – teams aim for as little air resistance as possible.
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