McLaren to modify rear wing following FIA direction

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has mandated McLaren to modify their rear wing design, which has been under scrutiny due to rival team complaints.

Footage from the recent Azerbaijan Grand Prix indicated that McLaren's rear wing might be flexing upwards on the straightaways, prompting the FIA to conduct a thorough investigation.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari commented on the controversy during a media session preceding the Singapore Grand Prix, saying, "McLaren's wing was controversial to say the least."

Sergio Pérez of Red Bull expressed his surprise, stating, "I'm as surprised as you all are. Definitely a massive benefit."

The FIA maintained that McLaren's wing adheres to existing regulations and has passed all flexibility tests. However, they added that they are "reviewing data and any additional evidence that has emerged from the Baku GP and considering any mitigating measures for future implementation."

In a statement, McLaren acknowledged the FIA's investigation: "Whilst our Baku rear wing complies with the regulations and passes all FIA deflection tests, McLaren have proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing following our conversations with the FIA."

McLaren further stated, "We would also expect the FIA to have similar conversations with other teams in relation to the compliance of their rear wings."

Fred Vasseur, Ferrari's Team Principal, voiced his frustration: "I think it's more than borderline. We all saw the videos and pictures of this, and it's a bit frustrating when, if you remember the situation in Monza, we had five cars in two hundredths of a second, and you move from P1 or P2 to P5 or P6 for two hundredths of a second. In Baku we had ten laps in a row when we arrived side-by-side at Turn 1, so you can imagine that we have a bit of frustration."

The incident stems from ongoing concerns about wing flexibility. Previously, both McLaren and Mercedes were scrutinized for their front wing designs, with questions raised by Red Bull and Ferrari. The FIA had cleared those wings as well.

Reflecting on the distinctions between the two situations, Vasseur elaborated: "I think there is a kind of confusion between what happened with the front wing and the rear wing. The front wing we all agree that it could be a grey area because on the first paragraph of the TD [technical directive] is saying you can't design part of the car with the intention of the deformation. Intention is difficult to manage."

He added, "The rear wing story is completely different because in the article you also have a maximum deflection, and this is black or white. It's not grey, or dark grey, or light grey. It's black, and black. And for me it's clear."

The upcoming Singapore Grand Prix will provide a platform to see how McLaren's adjustments align with FIA expectations and whether the controversy surrounding wing designs will take a back seat.

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