McLaren flags legal question over Ferrari's rotating rear wing

McLaren designer Rob Marshall flagged Ferrari’s “Macarena” rear wing – a 270° rotating flap that generates lift on straights – as a potential legality issue. FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis confirmed the device complies with the 2026 aero regulations, showing the rulebook still allows bold concepts.

Why it matters:

It matters because an illegal ruling would force Ferrari into a costly redesign and could trigger a scramble among rivals. The wing also offers a straight‑line speed boost that may shift the early championship balance.

The details:

• Rotating flap – swings 270° to create lift, reducing drag on long straights.
• Testing – first appeared on the SF‑26 in Bahrain and on Hamilton’s and Leclerc’s cars in Chinese GP practice; removed before the race and absent in Japan.
• FIA clearance – chief Tombazis said the wing meets current volume and shape limits, dismissing any legality concerns.
• Other innovations – Ferrari’s new exhaust outlet and varied front‑wing shapes caught attention, while Audi’s sidepods and Aston Martin’s rear‑suspension geometry show teams exploiting the 2026 rulebook.

What's next:

Ferrari may debut the wing at the upcoming Grand Prix; a positive result could spur rivals to try similar concepts, while the FIA will keep a close eye on compliance.