{"id":4102,"date":"2026-10-17T12:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T15:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4102"},"modified":"2026-10-17T10:37:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T13:37:16","slug":"mercedes-explains-why-it-rejected-macarena-rear-wing-for-f1-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/mercedes-explains-why-it-rejected-macarena-rear-wing-for-f1-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercedes explains why it rejected Macarena rear wing for F1 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mercedes studied the Macarena rear-wing concept more than a year ago.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simone Resta says the aerodynamic trade-off did not justify investing in development and manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mercedes could reconsider the solution after Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull introduced their own versions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mercedes has revealed that it designed and evaluated a version of Formula 1&#8217;s radical &#8216;Macarena&#8217; rear wing more than a year ago<\/strong>, but rejected the concept after concluding that its drag-reduction benefits did not justify the accompanying aerodynamic compromises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The admission came from <strong>Simone Resta, Mercedes&#8217; deputy technical director<\/strong>, during the <em>Nu Silver Arrows Radio Show<\/em>. While Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren have experimented with the rotating rear-wing concept during the 2026 season, Mercedes has continued pursuing a different approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resta&#8217;s comments demonstrate that the Brackley team was familiar with the idea long before it became one of the most recognisable technical innovations of the new regulatory era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I am probably going to say something we have not shared before,&#8221; Resta said, revealing that the design had been considered during the early development of the W17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian explained that Mercedes had evaluated the solution but decided not to commit resources to manufacturing and track development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Mercedes rejected the Macarena wing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Macarena wing is designed to exploit Formula 1&#8217;s active aerodynamic regulations, which allow cars to change their aerodynamic configuration between corners and designated straight-line sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By rotating the rear-wing element, teams can reduce aerodynamic drag and improve straight-line efficiency, an increasingly important consideration under regulations that place greater demands on electrical energy management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the benefit comes with a trade-off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resta explained that the configuration reduces aerodynamic load while the system is open. Mercedes concluded that the overall compromise did not justify the investment required to develop the concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team&#8217;s assessment involved more than a comparison of straight-line speed. Engineers must consider the relationship between drag, downforce, stability, energy deployment and the behaviour of the entire aerodynamic package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A solution that produces a benefit in one phase of a lap does not necessarily improve the complete lap time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes therefore continued developing its existing rear-wing architecture rather than introducing the rotating concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull follow another path<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ferrari attracted widespread attention when it introduced the rotating rear-wing concept during pre-season testing, with the unusual movement earning the nickname Macarena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Red Bull subsequently developed its own version, while McLaren spent several months evaluating the system before introducing it in competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/mclaren-confirms-macarena-wing-debut-at-2026-italian-gp\/\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO reported when McLaren confirmed the debut of its Macarena wing at Monza<\/strong><\/a>, the Woking team had conducted an extensive development programme before deciding that the device was ready for racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McLaren&#8217;s version, known as the H-Wing, was designed to improve straight-line efficiency at circuits where low drag is especially important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the team did not consider the configuration suitable for every venue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following its Monza debut, <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/mclaren-drops-macarena-rear-wing-for-spanish-gp-after-monza-debut\/\"><strong>McLaren removed the Macarena wing for the Spanish Grand Prix<\/strong><\/a>, returning to a higher-downforce configuration better suited to Madrid&#8217;s circuit characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision illustrated the same fundamental trade-off that influenced Mercedes&#8217; original assessment: reducing drag can be valuable, but the overall performance depends on the circuit and the aerodynamic balance of the car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ferrari has also continued refining its interpretation of the concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Hungarian Grand Prix, <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/ferrari-takes-inspiration-mclaren-debuts-version-2-0-macarena-wing-in-hungarian-gp\/\"><strong>Ferrari introduced a revised Macarena wing inspired by McLaren&#8217;s aerodynamic development<\/strong><\/a>, adding further components intended to improve the rear wing&#8217;s performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"505\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Asa-macarena-Ferrari-Hungria-Reproducao-F1-2026.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020310317\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.502985859711006;width:896px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Asa-macarena-Ferrari-Hungria-Reproducao-F1-2026.jpg 759w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Asa-macarena-Ferrari-Hungria-Reproducao-F1-2026-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Asa-macarena-Ferrari-Hungria-Reproducao-F1-2026-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ferrari&#8217;s Macarena wing (Photo: F1)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FIA examined Macarena safety after Verstappen crashes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The rotating wing has also attracted attention because of safety concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Red Bull experienced incidents involving Max Verstappen after problems with the operation of its version of the device, prompting the team to review the system and introduce modifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FIA subsequently assessed the concept and confirmed that it remained legal and acceptable under the regulations, provided the necessary safety requirements were satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/fia-attests-safety-of-macarena-wing-but-reveals-discussions-with-red-bull-following-crashes\/\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO reported following the FIA&#8217;s technical assessment<\/strong><\/a>, single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained that the governing body had worked with teams to ensure the mechanism operated safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FIA did not impose a general ban on the design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes&#8217; decision to reject the concept should not be confused with those later safety concerns. Resta&#8217;s explanation centred on aerodynamic efficiency and the cost of development rather than a claim that the wing was inherently unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mercedes could reconsider its decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although Mercedes decided against building the wing, Resta acknowledged that the conclusion was not necessarily permanent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formula 1 development is a continuous process, and teams regularly reassess concepts as competitors introduce new solutions and provide additional evidence of their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mercedes therefore remains open to revisiting the rotating-wing concept if future analysis demonstrates a worthwhile improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team&#8217;s approach reflects the wider technical competition under the 2026 regulations, with manufacturers still learning how to balance downforce, drag and electrical energy use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, Mercedes has maintained its existing aerodynamic philosophy while Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull continue developing their interpretations of the Macarena concept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formula 1 returns at the <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/f1-united-states-gp-2026-austin-schedule-start-times-and-how-to-watch\/\"><strong>United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 23\u201325<\/strong><\/a>. <strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> will follow the teams&#8217; latest technical developments through its <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/\">Formula 1 coverage<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mercedes deputy technical director Simone Resta reveals the team had already evaluated the radical rotating rear wing before its rivals adopted the concept, but decided against building it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020317193,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Mercedes","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":75,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[325,334,16,855],"42wp_author":[75],"class_list":["post-4102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-f1","tag-f1-2026","tag-macarena-wing","tag-mercedes","tag-simone-resta","42wp_author-pedro-henrique-marum"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4102"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4102\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4103,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4102\/revisions\/4103"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020317193"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4102"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4102"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4102"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}