Overview
- Red Bull confirmed it will not use the experimental 'Macarena' revolving rear wing this weekend after two high-speed failures linked to the device, reverting to a conventional rear wing for Spa.
- The FIA has introduced five Straight Mode zones at Spa to reduce drag on long straights and ease the strain of the 2026 deployable-energy limits on lap and race strategy.
- Max Verstappen led first practice on Friday at Spa with the conventional wing, a sign that Red Bull's single-lap pace has improved after the setup change.
- McLaren's Lando Norris will take a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday after fitting a new control electronics unit, and several teams dealt with technical issues and disrupted running in FP2.
- Reports say Red Bull used a post-British Grand Prix filming day to test start/launch software updates, and multiple outlets have reported an unconfirmed contract clause that could allow Verstappen to seek a 2027 exit if he is outside the top two by the summer break.