Red Bull won't use 'Macarena' rear wing in Belgium

Red Bull will revert to its previous rear-wing specification for this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.

Both Red Bull and Ferrari have been using aggressive rear-wing concepts that open by more than 180 degrees on the straights. Ferrari first tried its version during pre-season testing in Bahrain before introducing it later in the season, while Red Bull debuted its concept at the Miami Grand Prix. Although the two designs are different, both have become known in the paddock as the "Macarena".

Max Verstappen, however, crashed during each of the last two race weekends. The first incident came at the end of qualifying in Austria, while the second happened near the end of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Although the two accidents were different, they shared one common factor: both were linked to the way the rear wing closes at the end of a straight as the car enters a corner.

Following the Silverstone weekend, reports emerged that the FIA was examining the rear-wing concepts used by both Red Bull and Ferrari.

That made today's announcement largely expected. Team principal Laurent Mekies confirmed to the BBC that Red Bull will not run the "Macarena" rear wing at Spa-Francorchamps.

Mekies said the team identified an issue with the new rear wing after the Silverstone weekend. As a result, Red Bull will return to its previous rear-wing specification, which opens in a conventional way. It remains unclear whether the "Macarena" concept will return later this season, although the team is understood to be working on an updated version.

While the decision is understandable, the timing could hardly be worse. Spa-Francorchamps features five long straight sections where the aggressive rear-wing concept could have offered an advantage.