Macca to go "Macarena" style at Austrian GP

[John S]

McLaren is preparing to throw another intriguing weapon into Formula 1’s escalating aerodynamic battle, with the championship contender set to trial an experimental ("Macarena") rotating rear-wing concept during Friday practice at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Woking squad has confirmed it will run the new design throughout both practice sessions at Spielberg, adding a fascinating subplot to a weekend: - Will they race it or not????

[lkjohnson1950]

Would like to see an explanation of why the "Macarena" is more effective than a tilting Gurney. There must be a moment during rotation when the drag is very high and the downforce nil.

[Andy B]

When these wings rotate they change from a downforce to a lift like aircraft wings but how much lift I wouldn't know or what the benefits are?

[Jericoke]

Would like to see an explanation of why the "Macarena" is more effective than a tilting Gurney. There must be a moment during rotation when the drag is very high and the downforce nil.

The F1 rules are always complicated.  The rules allow one surface to move, so maybe tilting Gurney just doesn't fit the rules.

I would guess that the moment is short enough that it's worth it.  Besides, it would be in a braking zone, so wouldn't drag be good?

When these wings rotate they change from a downforce to a lift like aircraft wings but how much lift I wouldn't know or what the benefits are?

Downforce would make the car 'heavier' in terms of power required to move it.  Lift would make the care 'lighter' in terms of power required to move it.  As long as the lift isn't enough to actually lift the rear wheels enough to lose traction, I can see how the macarena design gives grip in corners and speed in acceleration zones.

[Andy B]

When the wings invert they take on an aircraft style wing so some lift would happen but as this is at the rear it would change the angle of the car so adding downforce but also removing drag.

The current rules allow two surfaces to move as in front and rear wings and the need for downforce in bends is why they return for normal prior to bends and have restricted use on track.

[Alianora La Canta]

Would like to see an explanation of why the "Macarena" is more effective than a tilting Gurney. There must be a moment during rotation when the drag is very high and the downforce nil.

It allows each surface's entire wing to be designed for the condition in which it will be used. The "straight" side to adapt to all the details of being on the straight in straight mode, and the "corner" side to adapt to all the details of going round corners in corner mode. A tilting Gurney still only allows one side to address the air, which still has to be a compromise.

Yes, there is a high-drag, no-downforce moment during the turn, which is why the timing of moving the wing is critical. Specifically, stop the turn before attempting to rotate the car or apply too much engine braking.

Red Bull doesn't appear to have tested theirs enough, which is why it stopped using the wing. Even Ferrari needed 2 attempts - but it was willing to do the necessary testing to solve the problem and make it pay off.

[lkjohnson1950]

Thanks. Nice to have you back Alia.

[Alianora La Canta]

Thank you