Max Verstappen crashed with a Red Bull rear wing problem on two consecutive race weekends, but the four-time world champion emphasized that both malfunctions stemmed from different causes. "Let's call it a different malfunction, but the result is the same," Verstappen explained. After Verstappen went off track at the end of Q3 in Spielberg, Red Bull announced they understood the cause of that specific malfunction; however, the emergence of a different rear wing problem in the following race weekend has caused deeper concern for the team.<\/p>\n
Red Bull's rear wing is particularly noteworthy because it offers the widest opening on the grid thanks to its active aerodynamic system. The team unveiled its own 'Macarena wing' version in Miami; Technical Director Pierre Wache explained to Motorsport.com that the design inspiration did not come from Ferrari. Design details also differ significantly between the two teams: Ferrari's rear wing rotates up to 270 degrees in one direction, while Red Bull's rotates up to 160 degrees in the opposite direction. Red Bull began working on this concept in November 2025 and initially planned to use it in Melbourne; however, they were not satisfied with the design and postponed the launch to Miami.<\/p>\n
While the wing appears effective at reducing drag, safety comes first. Verstappen described recent rear wing incidents as \u201cextremely dangerous\u201d; this assessment becomes even more critical with the high-speed Spa-Francorchamps circuit returning to the calendar. Red Bull cannot use the wing at the Belgian GP without ensuring all issues are completely resolved. Team CEO Laurent Mekies stated on Sunday evening: \u201cWe will review the entire area to reduce the possibility of this happening again to zero.\u201d Mekies added, \u201cWe will do what is necessary to be on the safe side. We have completed several races with the concept since Miami, so a series of races have passed. At this stage of the analysis, it is too early to say whether the problem stems from the concept or something else; but we will certainly leave no stone unturned. All our options are open.\u201d.<\/p>\n
Among the options on the table is a temporary return to the more traditional, older wing specification for Spa. The technical team, led by Pierre Wache, prefers to avoid this, as it would represent a step backward in terms of drag reduction and therefore pure performance. This is particularly significant considering the energy-constrained Spa track, where energy management plays a critical role and Red Bull has yet to excel this season. If the team cannot dispel any doubt, they will have no choice but to play it safe, especially given Verstappen's disappointment on Sunday night.<\/p>\n
McLaren brought its rotating rear wing to Spielberg for the first time; however, they did not test it on the track, judging that the design was not yet ready for use, even in practice sessions. After not using it at Silverstone due to the sprint format, Spa could become the wing's first real test for McLaren. Given Red Bull's recent experiences, McLaren's cautious approach is easily understandable.<\/p>\n