RED BULL DROPS THE “MACARENA” REAR WING AND RETURNS TO INITIAL DESIGN
Red Bull has decided to abandon its innovative “Macarena” rear wing and return to a more traditional design for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The decision comes after two serious incidents involving Max Verstappen, both linked to problems with the rear wing’s moving parts not closing correctly.
The special rear wing was created by Red Bull’s aerodynamic team and was designed to improve efficiency by changing its shape in certain situations. However, after Verstappen’s crashes in Austria and Great Britain, the team chose to remove the system from the RB22 to avoid any further safety risks.
The FIA also became involved after the incidents. Verstappen lost control during qualifying in Austria and later crashed at Silverstone during the race after the rear wing failed to close properly. Luckily, the Dutch driver avoided a heavy impact because both circuits had large run-off areas that reduced the danger.
The FIA started an investigation, as it normally does after serious crashes, even when drivers are not injured. The incidents raised concerns about the reliability and safety of the system, forcing Red Bull to review its design.
Unlike Red Bull, the other team using a similar “reverse” rear wing concept has not shown any reliability or safety problems. Ferrari’s version is not currently under investigation because, although the ideas are similar, the two teams use different technical solutions and activation systems.
For Spa, Red Bull will use a more traditional rear wing without the reversible concept. This means the team may lose some aerodynamic performance, but it should gain more confidence and safety.
Verstappen was very critical after his Silverstone incident, especially because it happened at a high-speed corner. Red Bull cannot afford more problems, especially as the relationship between the team and its star driver has become more complicated.
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