McLaren has announced that it will incorporate its new rotating rear wing known as ‘Macarena’, but the date of its implementation is still undefined. According to the team’s director, Andrea Stella, the decision not to hasten its entry into competition is not due to the difficulties that Red Bull has experienced with a similar design.
McLaren’s caution stems from the complexities involved in managing the vehicle’s behavior as the new wing transitions from straight-line mode to cornering mode. Initially, the team intended to test the new wing in Austria, but decided to abandon the evaluation at the last minute. Ultimately, the first test took place in Hungary, where Oscar Piastri drove it during the first free practice session.
Red Bull, on the other hand, had to temporarily withdraw its pivoting wing after the accidents involving Max Verstappen, which raised concerns about its stability in cornering mode. Stella has acknowledged that the project has been complicated, as expected, since the introduction of this type of technology requires meticulous adjustment.
Teams have been exploring this new approach due to the more flexible rules that were implemented this season. Now, the system for reducing drag along the track can be managed more precisely, fostering innovation and creativity in vehicle design.
McLaren’s design resembles Red Bull’s more than Ferrari’s, as it utilizes a central actuator to control rotation. Compared to Ferrari, which requires a longer time to open and close the wing, McLaren’s system allows for quicker adaptation, compromising between aerodynamic locking and efficiency.
The dynamic behavior of the car during the transition between modes is a factor that can significantly influence performance, and has been a subject of thorough study by McLaren. Stella emphasizes that the data collected on the track is crucial for validating important design changes, including the new wing and modifications to the chassis.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
