The McLaren Formula 1 team is set to debut its innovative H-Wing, a rotating rear wing design, at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Following Ferrari’s initial development during winter testing, McLaren has been refining its own interpretation of the upside-down rear wing that pivots 180 degrees between cornering and straight-line configurations. The team first tested a prototype at the Austrian Grand Prix but opted not to run it in free practice due to a garage issue. A revised version was subsequently evaluated during FP1 in Hungary, with plans to deploy it at low-drag, high-speed circuits where the concept offers straight-line aerodynamic benefits.
Monza marks the first such opportunity, with McLaren confirming the H-Wing will be fitted to both cars this weekend.
Interestingly, the name draws inspiration not from science fiction but from the Etihad logo, where the letter H runs along the centreline of the MCL40’s rear wing, coinciding with the H-Wing’s straight-mode actuator position. This naming convention echoes the team’s celebrated F-duct from 2010, which borrowed its name from the Vodafone branding along the car’s nose.
McLaren’s new wing features an innovative actuator
Photo by: Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images / NurPhoto via Getty Images
“This weekend, we have brought what we believe is needed to be competitive, including a new low-drag rear wing specification, featuring the first use of our H-Wing, alongside some small aerodynamic and low-drag options that we will evaluate before deciding the final specification for qualifying,” explained McLaren’s technical director Neil Houldey.
“Overall, we recognise there is still more performance to unlock from the MCL40, both through maximising our current package and through further upgrades planned for the races ahead.”
In a related note, McLaren will also showcase a modified livery at Monza and the following Spanish Grand Prix to highlight its partnership with cryptocurrency platform OKX.
