McLaren Readies Revised Flip-Over Wing for Hungary Test, but Race Debut Pushed to September

McLaren will roll out a modified version of its flip-over rear wing during first practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring this weekend, though team bosses have confirmed the component will not see race action until at least September. The Woking-based outfit originally planned to debut the concept at the Austrian Grand Prix at the end of June, but that test was aborted before the wing ever left the garage. Now, after further revisions, McLaren is ready to evaluate the design in live conditions as part of a broader development push.

Why it matters:

The flip-over rear wing has emerged as one of the most influential aerodynamic trends in Formula 1 this season, with Ferrari and Red Bull already exploiting the concept to unlock significant straight-line speed gains. McLaren's delay in racing the wing underscores the fine line teams must walk between aggressive innovation and operational risk, particularly when introducing complex components mid-season. Mastering the design could prove decisive at power-sensitive venues like Monza, where minimizing drag is paramount.

The details:

• McLaren first brought its flip-over wing to the Austrian Grand Prix in late June but was forced to abandon the plan without running it. Following modifications, the team will now attempt to properly debut the component during opening practice in Budapest this Friday.
• Race debut timeline: The team stated that "this item is not scheduled to be introduced fully at this or the following race in the Netherlands," effectively ruling out a race debut until after the summer shutdown. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza in early September is therefore the earliest realistic opportunity.
• Ferrari's evolution: Italian media reports indicate Ferrari is poised to introduce its own updated 'Macarena' flip-over wing as early as the Hungarian round. Ferrari conducted an extensive on-track testing program, including a headline-grabbing debut in Bahrain pre-season testing, before racing the wing from Miami in May.
• Red Bull's situation: Red Bull was compelled to shelve its flip-over wing for the Belgian Grand Prix following back-to-back high-speed crashes for Max Verstappen in Austria and Britain. However, the team maintains it has identified a fix and plans to bring the concept back.
• Wider upgrade push: The wing evaluation coincides with a raft of other upgrades for McLaren, including a new floor and further aerodynamic revisions. Team principal Andrea Stella has described this as an effort to "redirect" car development away from some of the squad's original concept choices.
• Young driver opportunity: Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli will take part in first practice in Hungary, securing his second Formula 1 outing of the year.

What's next:

Should the Hungarian tests prove successful, Monza stands out as the natural venue for the wing's competitive debut given its long straights and low-downforce profile. McLaren appears determined to avoid rushing the part into service, prioritizing thorough validation over immediate gain. With Ferrari pressing ahead with its own evolution and Red Bull plotting a return, the fight for rear wing supremacy is intensifying just as the championship enters its decisive final phase.