Red Bull has arrived at Spa-Francorchamps without complete confidence that it will be able to use one of the technical solutions that could have provided the biggest advantage on the Belgian circuit. Energy management is expected to become one of the defining factors along the long Ardennes straights, making every drag-reduction solution even more valuable. However, the Milton Keynes-based team is now evaluating whether to abandon its inverted “Macarena” rear wing, as demonstrated by the presence of the previous specification in the garage.
Macarena placed on standby
The first technical surprise of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend is the appearance of Red Bull’s previous rear wing specification in the garage, fitted both for Max Verstappen’s RB22 and Isack Hadjar’s car.
That does not necessarily mean the Milton Keynes outfit has already decided to abandon its version of the Macarena rear wing. Instead, it suggests that the team intends to carry out comparative evaluations during the free practice sessions before making a final decision.
The move comes after Max Verstappen suffered two consecutive heavy accidents—first during qualifying in Austria and then during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Both incidents were reportedly triggered by the movable rear wing elements failing to close correctly, placing the spotlight firmly on the reliability of Red Bull’s active aerodynamic system.
The rear wings currently seen in the Spa garage differ from the latest specification not only in the profile shape of the movable elements, but also in the design of the active aerodynamic actuator.
The central support no longer features the distinctive wave-shaped fairing that characterises the RB22’s Macarena rear wing, while the metal linkages are mounted differently, preventing the rotating movement of the wing elements used by the newer design.
The difference becomes immediately apparent when comparing the original rear wing used at the beginning of the season with the specification introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, where Red Bull’s Macarena concept made its competitive debut.
Reducing drag is the top priority at Spa
Red Bull has certainly not questioned its inverted movable rear wing lightly, particularly ahead of one of the most power-sensitive circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
Several rival teams have already brought lower-drag front wing configurations to Spa-Francorchamps, despite the fact that throughout most of the 2026 season the most successful setup philosophy has been to maximise aerodynamic downforce.
That shift clearly demonstrates just how critical energy management is expected to be around the Belgian circuit. With the long full-throttle sections placing enormous demands on hybrid deployment, reducing aerodynamic drag becomes one of the most effective ways to maintain competitive straight-line performance.
If Red Bull ultimately decides that the Macarena rear wing cannot provide sufficient reliability guarantees, the team could be forced to sacrifice some of its aerodynamic efficiency in exchange for greater confidence and consistency.
As a result, the free practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps will play a crucial role in determining which rear wing specification Red Bull ultimately chooses for qualifying and Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. The outcome could have a significant impact not only on the team’s straight-line speed, but also on its ability to manage energy effectively over one of the most demanding laps in Formula 1.
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