Red Bull Considers Rear Wing Reversion After Consecutive Verstappen Crashes

Red Bull RacingTeam·Red Bull Racing is facing a critical decision regarding the future of its innovative rear wing, as four-time world champion Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen experienced consecutive high-speed incidents attributed to wing failures. The crashes occurred during qualifying at the Austrian Grand PrixCompetition·Austrian Grand Prix and again at the British Grand PrixCompetition·British Grand Prix, prompting an urgent investigation by the team.

Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen, while acknowledging that the two failures stemmed from different issues, expressed his profound concern. "A different failure, let's say, but with the same result," Verstappen explained, later describing the incidents as "super dangerous." This sentiment underscores the gravity of the situation, particularly as the Formula 1 calendar approaches high-speed circuits like Spa-FrancorchampsVenue·Spa-Francorchamps.

The "Macarena wing," introduced by Red Bull in MiamiVenue·Miami in November 2025, features an active aerodynamic system designed to reduce drag by rotating up to 160 degrees. Technical Director Pierre VacheCoach·Pierre Vache confirmed to motorsport.com that the concept was developed independently, not inspired by FerrariTeam·Ferrari's similar design, which rotates up to 270 degrees in the opposite direction. Red Bull had initially planned to debut their wing in MelbourneVenue·Melbourne but delayed its introduction until MiamiVenue·Miami due to initial dissatisfaction with its performance.

Following the recent failures, Red Bull's team principal, Laurent MekiesCoach·Laurent Mekies, acknowledged the driver's frustration and the team's commitment to resolving the issue. "He's right not to be happy. It is very unpleasant for drivers to be let down by the car in the high-speed corners in two consecutive races, it be for two different reasons ," Mekies stated. He confirmed that a comprehensive investigation is underway, with all options on the table, including a temporary return to an older, more conventional rear wing specification for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.

"We will do whatever is necessary to be on the safe side," Mekies affirmed. "It's too early in the analysis to establish whether the problem is in the concept or something else. But we certainly won't leave any stone unturned on this matter. And all options are open."

Reverting to an older design would represent a step back in terms of aerodynamic efficiency and pure speed, a trade-off the technical team would prefer to avoid. This is particularly pertinent on circuits like Spa, where energy management and drag reduction are crucial for competitive performance. However, the paramount concern for driver safety and reliability dictates that if any doubt persists regarding the current specification, Red Bull will prioritize a secure solution.

These reliability challenges arrive at a critical juncture for Red Bull. As of July 5, 2026, the team sits fourth in the Constructors' Championship with 128 points, trailing MercedesTeam·Mercedes (333 points), FerrariTeam·Ferrari (255 points), and McLarenTeam·McLaren (179 points). Max VerstappenPlayer·Max Verstappen is seventh in the Drivers' standings with 76 points, while teammate Isack HadjarPlayer·Isack Hadjar is eighth with 52 points. The performance impact of these wing issues is evident in their current championship position.

Notably, McLarenTeam·McLaren also introduced its own rotating rear wing at the Austrian Grand PrixCompetition·Austrian Grand Prix but opted against using it, deeming the design not yet ready for competition. Their cautious approach, in light of Red Bull's recent struggles, appears to be a prudent strategy.