McLaren to Trial 'Macarena' Rear Wing in Hungary Upgrade Package

McLaren is unleashing a major upgrade package at the Hungarian Grand Prix, headlined by the trial of its experimental upside-down rear wing. The team hopes the changes to the MCL40 will close a development gap that has left it trailing Mercedes and Ferrari.

Why it matters:

After admitting its aero program fell two to three months behind, McLaren is under pressure to deliver gains. The Woking squad has struggled to match Mercedes and Ferrari, while Red Bull has also found form. This Budapest update is a critical moment for its championship hopes.

The details:

• The Hungary package centers on a redesigned floor and new aerodynamic parts to boost downforce and efficiency.
• McLaren will trial its 'Macarena' rear wing in Friday practice. The concept rotates the mainplane 180 degrees in straight-line mode and debuted on Ferrari's SF-26.
• The wing was set for an Austria debut but garage issues forced a return to the factory for refinement.
• Team boss Andrea Stella said the updates mark the first results of a revised development direction, with more parts planned after the summer shutdown.
• The wing is not expected to race in Hungary or the Netherlands, but a successful test could lead to an introduction at drag-sensitive tracks like Monza or Baku.

What's next:

McLaren must validate these changes quickly to build momentum before the mid-season break. With rivals continuing to develop, the success of this upgrade cycle could decide whether the MCL40 becomes a race winner in the second half.