McLaren Faces Key Decision on Ferrari-Inspired 'Macarena' Wing for Montreal

McLaren is reportedly considering whether to introduce a rear wing inspired by Ferrari's revolutionary 'Macarena' design at this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix. The Woking team has spent two months analyzing the component's potential and rushed production to have units ready for Montreal, but the Sprint race format threatens to derail those plans.

Why it matters:

The decision could significantly impact McLaren's competitive position. Ferrari's fully adjustable rear flap, nicknamed 'Macarena' for its distinctive movement, has been widely credited as a key factor in the SF-26's strong early-season performance. Red Bull already copied the concept in Miami, and McLaren is now looking to follow suit after evaluating its own version through extensive simulations.

The details:

• McLaren initially split its MCL40 upgrade into two phases: Miami (sidepods, underbody, front wing) and Montreal (expected rear wing change).
• The rushed production of the Macarena-style wing requires different pivot points and central actuator placement compared to traditional designs, creating logistical hurdles.
• Units for both cars, including spares, were reportedly manufactured in time for Canada, but their actual use remains uncertain.
• The Sprint format in Montreal means only one free practice session on Friday, leaving little time to validate the new component. Miami had the same format, yet Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren themselves introduced major updates there.

What's next:

The final call rests with team principal Andrea Stella. McLaren must decide whether to include the wing in its FIA submission for the weekend, allowing use from FP1 onward. Even if submitted, the team could still opt not to run it if data from Friday's session proves inconclusive. A successful debut would mark McLaren's boldest aerodynamic step in 2026 and potentially close the gap to Ferrari and Red Bull.