News summary
- McLaren will officially introduce its own version of the Macarena rear wing at the Italian GP, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri receiving the new component.
- The device, called the “H wing,” is designed to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency on Monza’s long straights.
- McLaren will also evaluate other minor low-downforce aerodynamic options at Monza, as the team continues developing the MCL40 for the second half of the 2026 season.
After several months of testing, McLaren has confirmed that it will use its own version of the Macarena wing starting at the Italian GP. The device has been given the name “H wing,” a reference to the sponsor located at the rear of the car. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will receive the upgrade at Monza.
The rotating rear-wing concept first appeared on Ferrari’s car during pre-season testing in Bahrain before being adopted by Red Bull. The design quickly became a focus of rival teams because reversing the flap reduces drag, improves aerodynamic efficiency and makes the power unit’s job easier on the straights, an especially important factor under regulations that give a significant role to the electrical side of the power unit.
McLaren had been working on its own version of the Macarena wing for months and even brought a prototype to the Austrian GP, but did not test it during free practice. The first track tests took place during the Hungarian GP weekend. At the time, team principal Andrea Stella explained that McLaren needed to ensure the device was fully functional — as well as safe — before introducing it permanently.
As Monza is a high-speed circuit, the Italian GP represents an ideal opportunity to debut the new rear wing, which is designed to reduce drag on the straights. Neil Houldey, McLaren’s technical director, believes the device and other minor aerodynamic updates will make the MCL40 even more competitive at Round 13 of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
“This weekend, we have brought what we believe we need to be competitive, including a new low-drag rear-wing specification — with the debut of our H wing — as well as some small aerodynamic and low-downforce options that we will evaluate before deciding on the final configuration for Qualifying,” McLaren technical director Neil Houldey explained.
The H wing is particularly relevant at Monza because of the circuit’s long straights and emphasis on low drag, making the Italian GP one of the most logical venues for McLaren to put the solution into permanent use.
The development comes after McLaren continued refining the concept throughout the summer. The team had already evaluated its Macarena solution in Hungary, while Ferrari and Red Bull have also developed their own interpretations of the aerodynamic concept. The FIA has since confirmed that the active rear-wing system meets its safety requirements, despite concerns surrounding Red Bull’s early-season incidents.
FIA confirms safety of the Macarena wing after Red Bull crashes
Houldey also highlighted the potential of the 2026 car and stressed that McLaren still has further performance gains planned for the MCL40 in the coming races.
“Overall, we know there is still more performance to be extracted from the MCL40, both by maximizing the package we already have and through additional updates planned for the upcoming races,” he added.
The McLaren upgrade package arrives at a crucial point in the championship. Monza will put particular emphasis on straight-line efficiency and low-downforce performance, while Ferrari is also bringing a series of targeted changes to its SF-26, including a new ADUO power-unit specification.
For the complete weekend timetable, check the Italian GP 2026 schedule and session times.
The Formula 1 season returns this weekend, from September 4 to 6, at Monza. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action from the Italian GP, the 13th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
1. What is McLaren’s Macarena wing?
The Macarena wing is an active rear-wing concept designed to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency. McLaren’s version has been named the “H wing.”
2. Will both McLaren drivers use the new H wing at Monza?
Yes. Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will receive McLaren’s new H wing for the Italian GP.
3. Why is Monza a good circuit for the Macarena wing?
Monza is one of F1’s fastest circuits and features several long straights. Reducing aerodynamic drag can therefore provide a significant advantage in straight-line speed and power-unit efficiency, making the Italian GP a natural venue for McLaren’s new solution.
