McLaren to introduce modified flip-over wing for testing in Hungary

By Bilal Ahmed — 21 July 2026 — 3 min read

McLaren is set to introduce a modified version of its flip-over rear wing at the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix. However, the team does not plan to race with the new component until at least September. This development follows an earlier attempt to test a similar wing at the Austrian Grand Prix in late June, which ultimately did not leave the garage.

The team has since made several modifications to the design. The updated wing is now scheduled to debut during the first practice session in Hungary. During this session, reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli will participate in his second F1 practice outing of the year.

Testing and Future Plans

Despite the upcoming test, McLaren has indicated that this specific item is not slated for full introduction at the Hungarian Grand Prix or the subsequent race in the Netherlands, which is the first event after F1‘s summer break. This suggests that the Italian Grand Prix at Monza could be the earliest opportunity for McLaren to race with the new wing, provided the tests prove successful. A flip-over wing is considered particularly useful for the characteristics of the Monza circuit.

The introduction of this updated flip-over wing is part of a broader package of upgrades for McLaren. These enhancements include a new floor and additional aerodynamic components. According to team boss Andrea Stella, these developments are intended to “redirect” the car’s development away from some of its initial concept choices.

Other teams have also been exploring similar active aerodynamic solutions. Ferrari, for instance, conducted an extensive on-track testing program with its ‘Macarena’ wing. This included a notable debut during pre-season testing in Bahrain before it was raced from Miami in May.

Ferrari’s Macarena Wing Evolution

Ferrari is also reportedly preparing to roll out a significant evolution of its ‘Macarena’ wing concept. As the grid heads to the tight and twisting Hungaroring, Italian media reports suggest that an updated version of Ferrari’s ‘Macarena’ rear wing is ready and could make its competitive debut in Hungary.

The Hungarian Grand Prix circuit is known for demanding maximum aerodynamic grip, often described as “Monaco without the walls.” Straight-line speed is less critical than maintaining rear axle stability through the numerous medium-speed corners. To meet these high downforce requirements, Ferrari’s new high-downforce specification incorporates additional “hanger flaps.” These are designed to significantly increase the rear load, a concept that rival constructor Mercedes has been actively using since pre-season testing.

By integrating these extra flap elements, Ferrari aims to generate crucial additional points of downforce. This is intended to stabilize the SF-26 through Budapest’s technical middle sector. This aggressive upgrade is a highly targeted development, focused entirely on extracting maximum performance from the current SF-26 chassis. It is not intended as a foundational concept for future seasons.

This approach indicates that Maranello is committed to its current campaign, willing to allocate development budget to specialized, track-specific solutions. The goal is to maximize their points haul at one of the calendar’s most aerodynamically demanding circuits. Meanwhile, Red Bull had temporarily set aside its flip-over rear wing for the Belgian Grand Prix following high-speed crashes involving Max Verstappen in Austria and Britain, but the team has stated it has found a fix and the wing will return.

Source: the-race.com