Red Bull Tests Rotating Rear Wing as Verstappen Seeks Trust in Car at Miami GP

Key facts

• Red Bull tested a new rotating rear wing during FP1 at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix.
• Max Verstappen said the car 'is still not where I want it to be obviously' but allows him to 'trust it a bit'.
• Charles Leclerc set the pace in FP1, with highlights showing his fastest lap.
• Sprint qualifying for the Miami GP took place, with highlights available.
• In Formula 2, Kush Maini beat Gabriel Bortoleto (Camara) to pole in a closely fought Miami Qualifying session.
• Fernando Alonso stated 'I'm open to everything' regarding his F1 future, hinting at a possible extension.

Red Bull's Rotating Rear Wing Debuts in Miami FP1

Red Bull Racing introduced a rotating rear wing on their car during Friday's first practice session at the 2026 Miami Grand Prix, a development that could reshape the aerodynamic landscape of Formula 1. The device, which alters the wing's angle dynamically, was tested as the team seeks to close the gap to rivals. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion, described the car's current state with measured optimism. 'It is still not where I want it to be obviously, but it's at least allowing me to trust it a bit and I can basically take a bit more lap time out of it,' he said after FP1. The session, which kicked off the race weekend in Florida, saw Charles Leclerc set the fastest time for Ferrari. FP1 highlights showed the Monegasque driver's pace, though Red Bull's focus remained on gathering data from the new wing.

Sprint Qualifying and F2 Pole Battle

Sprint qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix took place on Friday, with the grid order set for Saturday's sprint race. The session produced intense competition, though full results are yet to be detailed beyond the starting grid for the 2026 Miami Grand Prix sprint race. In Formula 2, Kush Maini secured pole position in a closely fought qualifying session, beating Gabriel Bortoleto (Camara). The battle highlighted the depth of talent in the feeder series, with Maini's lap proving decisive under the Florida sun.

Alonso's Future Remains Open

Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion, provided an update on his Formula 1 future, stating 'I'm open to everything.' The comment, made during the Miami Grand Prix weekend, suggests the 44-year-old is considering extending his career beyond his current contract, which runs until the end of 2026. Alonso's statement comes amid a season where he has shown consistent pace, and his experience remains valuable to teams seeking stability. The Spaniard's openness could trigger a scramble for his signature in the driver market.

Miami GP Weekend Resumes After Unexpected Break

The Formula 1 season resumed in Miami after an unexpected break, with teams eager to return to competitive action. The layoff had disrupted momentum for some, but the Miami International Autodrome provided a fresh challenge with its high-speed straights and tight sections. Coverage of every session — from practice and qualifying to the main race event — is being provided, with live text updates and video highlights available. The weekend's format includes a sprint race, adding strategic complexity to the championship fight.

Technical Innovations and Championship Implications

Red Bull's rotating rear wing represents a significant technical innovation, potentially offering advantages in drag reduction and cornering performance. If successful, the device could influence development paths for other teams, though reliability and regulatory compliance will be scrutinized. The championship standings remain tight, with Verstappen's comments indicating that while progress is being made, the car is not yet at its peak. The Miami weekend will serve as a critical test for the new wing, with sprint qualifying and the main race providing data under varied conditions.

What Comes Next: Sprint Race and Main Event

The sprint race on Saturday will offer the first competitive outing for the rotating rear wing, with Red Bull hoping to validate its performance gains. The grid order from sprint qualifying will determine starting positions, and any issues could force the team to revert to a conventional setup for Sunday's grand prix. For Alonso, the weekend may provide clarity on his future, as team principals are present for negotiations. The driver market is expected to heat up as the season progresses, with several top seats available for 2027.

The bottom line

• Red Bull tested a rotating rear wing in FP1 at Miami, a potential game-changer in F1 aerodynamics.
• Max Verstappen said the car is improving but not yet where he wants it, allowing more trust.
• Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in FP1, indicating Ferrari's strong pace.
• Kush Maini beat Gabriel Bortoleto to pole in F2 qualifying in Miami.
• Fernando Alonso is 'open to everything' regarding his F1 future, hinting at a possible extension.
• The Miami GP weekend includes a sprint race, adding strategic depth to the championship.