McLaren enters the Macarena club as Ferrari's concealed advantage comes to light.

      McLaren is set to become the third Formula 1 team to implement the 'Macarena' rear wing concept at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. Ferrari and Red Bull have previously introduced their versions of this design, which features an upper rear-wing flap that rotates nearly 270 degrees in low-drag mode, ultimately flipping upside down at high speeds. McLaren will test its interpretation during Friday's practice sessions in Spielberg.

      "We’re continuously looking for ways to make improvements that enhance performance and reduce lap times," stated Neil Houldey, technical director of applied engineering. "For this event, our focus has been on minor updates at the rear corners of the car, in addition to an experimental rear wing that will be utilized throughout Friday's practices. Although the overall package is lighter compared to some of our recent updates, these enhancements are part of our ongoing development strategy for the season."

      Rob Marshall, McLaren's technical chief, expressed that he was initially taken aback when Ferrari first revealed the concept. "Everyone looked at it and thought, 'Oh, okay, that’s interesting. Is that legal?' ‘Yes, it is,’ then we said, 'Well done.'"

      The competition for advancements is intensifying under Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations. "Updates are certainly more effective at this stage of the regulations," remarked Dr. Helmut Marko, a former Red Bull advisor, in an interview with Kleine Zeitung before the Austrian GP, for which he serves as an ambassador. "You can gain five-tenths in one go."

      For instance, Ferrari's recent performance boost may not be solely attributed to the significant aerodynamic package that enabled Lewis Hamilton's victory in Barcelona. Auto Motor und Sport reports that the Italian team was also utilizing a redesigned rear wheel rim that went unnoticed, as it was not included in the FIA's list of declared upgrades. The report claims that the updated rims enhance heat dissipation from the rear tyres, aiding in better control over tyre temperatures and pressures. This development was facilitated by a winter rule change that abolished the previous standardised wheel rim regulations. Consequently, it is suggested that McLaren may have forfeited one of its traditional advantages.