The FIA has asked McLaren to modify its rear wing
The saga surrounding McLaren's flexible rear wing takes a new turn. Although the FIA did not deem the wing illegal, it has asked the British team to modify its design due to its "mini DRS" effect.
The controversy surrounding McLaren’s rear wing seems to be coming to an end, as the FIA has requested that its design be modified. Although it has not been deemed illegal, the Federation is asking the Woking team to adjust its wing due to its “mini DRS” effect.
The images of Oscar Piastri’s rear wing, captured during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, have clearly convinced the FIA to take action against this phenomenon that is causing a stir, particularly at Red Bull. It was actually following a complaint filed by the Milton Keynes team that the FIA ruled on the McLaren case.
“>The rear wing of the McLaren is controversial after the Grand Prix in Baku, analysis
The interpretation of the regulation on the flexibility of the bodywork by the papayas does not go through, despite their wing being recognized as compliance by the Federation. What is being criticized here in McLaren’s design of its wing is the fact that it is affected by dynamic conditions on the track.
This directly echoes Technical Directive 34 of the regulation, which specifies that designs whose structural characteristics are altered by secondary parameters, such as temperature or aerodynamic load, are not considered legal.
No sanctions for the Papayas
Speaking at a conference in Singapore, Zak Brown, the CEO of McLaren, defended the configuration of the wing, highlighting the success of the team of engineers who designed this part: « It has passed all the tests. I think it is Formula 1, it is smart engineering. The FIA agrees with that. Then, as usual, often innovations have to be stored away.
The FIA also confirmed that it could consider modifying the technical regulations if certain designs on the grid did not satisfy it. Although McLaren was not sanctioned for violating the regulations, it must now make adjustments to control the movement of its rear wing.
With this turnaround, McLaren will have to act quickly to ensure that its wing meets the expectations of the FIA, while continuing to take advantage of its technical innovations. The next races could be decisive to see how this team will adapt to the new requirements, while maintaining its competitiveness on the grid.
