Ferrari, Red Bull debut 'Macarena' wings

Ferrari and Red Bull arrived at the Miami Grand Prix with different versions of the same idea: a rear wing that does more than simply flatten on the straights. Formula1.com’s technical analysis said both teams used rotating rear-wing elements under Formula 1’s new 2026 active-aerodynamics rules, which allow cars to switch between higher-downforce and lower-drag configurations. Ferrari first showed its concept in pre-season testing in Bahrain, while Red Bull ran its own version publicly in Miami. The two designs target the same problem — reducing drag on the straights without giving away too much cornering load — but they do it in visibly different ways. ### Why are people calling it the “Macarena” wing? Lewis Hamilton supplied the nickname. Formula1.com quoted the Ferrari driver recalling the team’s new rear wing during the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint weekend and saying: “Someone said ‘Macarena’, I have no idea why! It’s the ‘flip-flop’ wing!” Ferrari had already shown the part in Bahrain testing, where it drew attention because the upper rear-wing element appeared to rotate much further than a conventional drag-reduction device. (formula1.com) Formula1.com said Ferrari’s design does not just move from an angled setting to a flatter one. Instead, the element flips far enough that it effectively turns upside down in its low-drag state, creating a larger passage for airflow than a standard flattened flap would. That is the visual cue that gave the part its nickname in the paddock. (formula1.com) ### What changed in Formula 1’s rules to make this possible? The 2026 regulations replaced the old DRS-era concept with active aerodynamics on both the front and rear wings. Formula1.com’s regulations explainer said drivers can switch to a low-drag configuration on designated straights, with flap angles changing to maximize straight-line speed. The FIA’s 2026 technical regulations also set out rear-wing bodywork rules for movable aerodynamic components under the new formula. (formula1.com) Miami mattered because it was the first race where Red Bull’s version was seen in a grand prix weekend setting, and because multiple teams arrived with large upgrade packages after an early-season gap. Racer reported that Red Bull’s Miami submission included new front and rear wings, including what it described as a Ferrari-style rotating top element, while Ferrari listed rear-wing and rear-wing-endplate changes among 11 development areas. (formula1.com) ### How is Ferrari’s version different from Red Bull’s? Formula1.com said Ferrari’s rotating element sits underneath the rear-wing endplates when it flips into its low-drag position. The same analysis said television footage and trackside photographs from Miami suggested Red Bull’s version created an even larger slot gap, with the upper element rising above the rear-wing endplates. (racer.com) Motorsport.com reported on May 1 that Red Bull rejected the idea that it had copied Ferrari directly, even as it introduced its own rotating-wing concept as part of a broader Miami upgrade package. That package also included weight reduction, revised sidepods and other aerodynamic changes on the RB22. ### Did Ferrari race this wing immediately? (formula1.com) Ferrari did not keep the new part on the car continuously after its first appearance. Formula1.com said the team chose not to use it at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, then brought it back for Friday practice at the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint weekend before removing it again for further work. Hamilton said in Shanghai that Ferrari’s factory was “working overtime” to bring upgrades. (motorsport.com) Miami marked Ferrari’s latest public outing for the concept, and this time Red Bull had joined it with a rival interpretation. That made the comparison more direct: two top teams, one regulatory opening, and two separate mechanical answers to the same aerodynamic brief. ### What should viewers watch for next? (formula1.com) The next clue will come at upcoming 2026 race weekends, where Ferrari and Red Bull decide whether to keep refining these rear-wing layouts or tailor them to specific circuits. Formula1.com’s May 13 technical comparison and the FIA update documents remain the clearest public guides to how the SF-26 and RB22 concepts differ on track and on paper. (formula1.com)