​The FIA is examining designs from Red Bull and Ferrari that feature a revolving rear wing, a concept that has dominated discussions in 2026. Both teams introduced a “Macarena”-style rear wing at the Miami Grand Prix, a mechanism that rotates 180 degrees to flip the aerodynamics when the car switches to low-drag mode. The intention behind this design is to maintain a healthy level of downforce even when the car operates in its low-drag configuration. Despite the intrigue and attention surrounding the concept, the part has not translated into a clear on-track advantage for Red Bull or Ferrari, and other teams have shown limited contest to the innovation.
The FIA is now turning its attention to safety concerns arising from the rear wing, following an incident at Silverstone in which Max Verstappen ran into the gravel. Verstappen voiced frustration with the wing, pointing to an airflow reattachment problem he experienced in Austria that affected his qualifying performance. “Well, at that point it’s super dangerous, because you can really hurt yourself, two times! I was lucky in Austria, I was lucky here, but that’s why you get really fed up with it,” Verstappen stated.
The inquiry is not limited to the FIA’s oversight; Red Bull is also conducting its own evaluation, according to team principal Laurent Mekies. “We have raced this [concept] since Miami. There have been a number of races, so it’s too early in the analysis to establish whether it’s an issue with the concept or something else,” Mekies explained. “But we are going for sure to leave no stone unturned when it comes to it, and we have all the options open.”
From Ferrari’s perspective, the situation may pose fewer immediate issues since the team has not reported known problems with the design. Still, the ongoing safety review could prompt the FIA to introduce new testing or standards. The teams’ early assurances about the safety of the wings were grounded in their initial testing, but regulatory scrutiny could prompt further measures or additional validation.
Ultimately, the governance of this matter rests with the FIA, which holds the authority to impose penalties or sanctions if a device is deemed dangerous. The official FIA rules indicate that stewards may prohibit a vehicle from participating if its construction is found to be unsafe. If dangerous information surfaces during a session, such a decision could be applied with immediate effect, underscoring the FIA’s capacity to act swiftly in pursuit of safety and fairness in the sport. As the investigations unfold, Red Bull and Ferrari must navigate both technical assessment and regulatory compliance while maintaining focus on performance and safety. The evolving scenario underscores the FIA’s central role in scrutinizing innovative aerodynamics and safeguarding the integrity of Formula 1 competition.