McLaren has come under intense scrutiny following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix for it’s rear wing. Specifically, the contentious “mini-DRS” feature has been accused of flexing under high aerodynamic load, allegedly breaching aerodynamic regulations. The FIA has now stepped in and asked the Woking-based squad to make changes, according to a report from Motorsport.com.
Rival teams have raised concerns that the upper element of McLaren’s rear wing, which they claim rotates back under aerodynamic pressure, might enhance performance illegally. This triggered an FIA investigation focused on the wing’s compliance under both static and dynamic conditions. While the component passed static load tests, the issue arose due to its potential flex under racing conditions—a factor covered by the FIA’s Directive TD34.
McLaren’s rear wing complied with current regulations, and it passed all the necessary static load tests. However, Directive TD34 states that car components must maintain consistent structural characteristics under real racing conditions, not just during standard tests.
The FIA has allowed McLaren to continue using the rear wing on applicable tracks but mandated future design modifications to ensure full compliance under all conditions.
Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 07, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. The FIA steps in over McLaren’s rear wing design.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
The rear wing design had garnered significant attention from rival teams. Leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull’s Sergio Perez bluntly commented:
“It’s clear that it’s out of the regulation. It’s an illegal car. But it seems like, it is allowed. I’m very surprised.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also claimed that the design was “controversial.”
“From what I’ve heard, it’s controversial to say the least.”
Red Bull & Ferrari not happy with the McLaren rear wing.
Perez: “It’s clear that it’s out of the regulation. It’s an illegal car. But it seems like, it is allowed. I’m very surprised.”
Leclerc: “From what I’ve heard, it’s controversial to say the least.”#AMuS #SingaporeGP
— Tobi Grüner 🏁 (@tgruener) September 19, 2024
However, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri defended the team and the rear wing design robustly, prior to the intervention from the FIA.
“Well, it is legal.
“As long as it passes all the tests – and we get tested a lot, it passes, so it is certainly not the magic ticket or magic bullet for why we’re competitive.
“It is legal, it passes all the tests, so I am pretty happy with it.
“To be honest, the first time I knew it did that was the same time as everyone else last week, and it is not a grey area.
“It gets tested every week, it is legal and they’ve got loads of different tests for the rear wings now, so I honestly did not know it did that until three days ago.
“Obviously in the sport you find every bit of performance that you can without breaking the rules, and that is what we are doing and what you need to do to become a championship-winning car and team.”
In the wake of this incident, McLaren must revise its rear wing design to ensure it conforms to all regulations under racing conditions.
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