The FIA has confirmed that Formula 1 teams will be allowed to continue using the controversial rotating rear-wing concept, despite concerns raised following two frightening crashes involving Max Verstappen.
The so-called “Macarena” rear wing has attracted considerable attention in recent races because of the way it rotates or changes position while the car is running. Ferrari and Red Bull are currently the only teams on the grid known to be using the concept during races.
Red Bull temporarily stopped using its version of the system after Verstappen suffered two high-speed incidents in quick succession. Those crashes immediately raised questions about whether the unusual rear-wing design could have played a role in compromising the stability of the car.
Following the incidents, the FIA requested detailed information from both Ferrari and Red Bull. The governing body wanted to examine how the systems operated and whether there were any potential safety concerns connected to the rotating mechanism.
However, after reviewing the data and technical information supplied by the teams, the FIA has decided that there is currently no reason to prohibit the concept.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix that the governing body had taken the safety implications seriously from the moment the first design appeared.
“When the first such design appeared, we wanted to make sure that it is entirely safe,” Tombazis said.
He explained that the investigation involved examining the potential failure modes of the system, using the type of engineering analysis commonly applied to complex mechanical and electronic components.
The FIA’s decision means teams running the rotating rear-wing concept can continue to use it, provided their designs remain within the sport’s technical and safety regulations.
The unusual wings have also become a popular talking point among fans and commentators. Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft’s nickname for the concept, the “Luke Littler wing,” has added another layer of entertainment to the technical controversy.
For Red Bull, however, the issue has been considerably more serious, particularly after Verstappen’s crashes. The team will now have greater clarity over whether it can confidently continue developing and operating its system.
With the FIA satisfied that the concept does not present an unacceptable safety risk, attention will now return to performance and whether the rotating rear wing can provide teams with a competitive advantage as the 2026 season continues.
