McLaren will debut a radical rotating H-wing rear wing at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. According to F1Technical, the Woking-based outfit previously evaluated the innovative aerodynamic design during testing at the Hungaroring and is now preparing to run the configuration during a race weekend for the first time. The move comes as teams seek baseline aerodynamic efficiency heading into Round 13 at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, where high-speed performance sets the agenda.
McLaren is not alone in exploring novel aerodynamic solutions ahead of the trip to Italy. F1Technical reports that Racing Bulls evaluated a Ferrari-inspired rotating rear-wing concept during a development session at Imola. Known colloquially as the "Macarena" wing, the testing places Racing Bulls among the constructors actively evaluating rotating rear-wing concepts to lower drag on high-speed circuits. Meanwhile, Ferrari recently reflected on its own development history; according to RaceFans, the Italian manufacturer published a feature commemorating one of its less successful and less memorable vehicles from a previous era.
These technical developments arrive as the 2026 championship enters its final 11 rounds. Andrea Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers' Championship for Mercedes with 242 points and six wins through Round 12. George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton sit tied for second on 183 points, 59 points off the top spot. McLaren's Lando Norris holds fourth place with 159 points, followed by Charles Leclerc on 155 points. With a standard Grand Prix awarding 25 points to the winner and up to roughly 34 across a sprint weekend, between 275 and 374 points remain available across the rest of the schedule. In the Constructors' Championship, Mercedes holds first place with 425 points, maintaining an 87-point advantage over Ferrari on 338 points.
Roster Contingencies and Future Stability
Alongside aerodynamic updates, team line-ups are shifting ahead of the session in Italy. RacingNews365 reports that Isack Hadjar will miss the Italian Grand Prix as he continues to experience persistent wrist pain from an injury sustained during the summer break. Consequently, Liam Lawson will retain his seat at Red Bull for the Monza race weekend. RacingNews365 also reports that Max Verstappen will step aside for a key session during the event.
The driver news follows recent track incidents for the Red Bull camp. RacingNews365 reports that former Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admitted he was startled by a high-speed practice crash involving Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the RB22 snapped sideways at Zandvoort's final corner.
While Red Bull manages immediate driver availability, other constructors are securing long-term stability. Williams team principal James Vowles emphasized that retaining Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon for the 2027 season is "incredibly powerful" for the team, as reported by F1Technical. Vowles stated that maintaining both drivers offers essential continuity as Williams works to build momentum and move closer to the front of the grid.
In driver development, RaceFans reports that Lando Norris has established a new junior racing team called LN4Fusion. The squad is scheduled to compete in the FIA Formula 3 Championship with future plans to expand into Formula 2, creating a structured path for young drivers aiming for Formula 1.
Physical Demands and Mindsets Across the Grid
Further down the pit lane, teams face distinct operational challenges. F1's newest constructor, Cadillac, remains without a championship point after 12 rounds. According to RacingNews365, driver Valtteri Bottas has urged the team to adopt an ambitious "not satisfied" attitude rather than settling for current progress. Bottas, whose 13th-place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix represents Cadillac's best result to date, emphasized that continuous drive is required to move up the field.
At the same time, veteran drivers continue to evaluate their physical longevity in the sport. RacingNews365 reports that 43-year-old Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso defended his physical condition by citing the grueling 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several younger competitors needed medical assistance post-race. Alonso noted he is considering extending his career into his mid-40s, potentially competing in a 24th Formula 1 season in 2027. Elsewhere in motorsport, F1Technical reports that South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas unveiled a 4.13-kilometre street circuit for the 2027 Adelaide MotoGP, preparing the venue to host the Australian Grand Prix starting in 2027.
Monza itself carries a long history of high-stakes dramatic outcomes. RacingNews365 recalled that eight years ago at the 2018 Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton claimed victory following a first-lap collision with title rival Sebastian Vettel that damaged Vettel's car and affected his championship campaign. More recently, Charles Leclerc won the 2024 Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari after starting fourth, ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. In 2025, Max Verstappen won from pole position, with Norris second and Piastri third. As Round 13 approaches, execution on track and hardware reliability will determine who takes advantage of the points remaining on the table.
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