After the Azerbaijan GP, there was a lot of talk about the McLaren rear wing. After the race, fans and the team noticed a small opening on Oscar Piastri’s DRS flap while it was supposed to be closed. Naturally, the team’s competitors were not happy about this. Hence, Red Bull had lodged a formal inquiry to understand if the rear wing was legal.
This issue came up at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as the teams were all running low-downforce setups. The McLaren rear wing gave the team about a tenth or two advantage over a single lap. There was also a noticeable difference in the team’s straight-line speed with the DRS flap closed. This rear wing helped Oscar Piastri defend against Leclerc at Baku.
🚨 | BREAKING: The FIA release a statement following questions about the legality of McLaren’s rear wing during Azerbaijan Grand Prix:
“The FIA is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and reserves the right to request teams to make modifications at any… pic.twitter.com/kFQFo8UoHy
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 19, 2024
However, FIA has now told McLaren that they cannot use this rear wing again. The governing body cannot do anything to change the results at the Azerbaijan GP as Piastri’s car had passed all the stationary tests. However, the FIA have the authority to enter minor regulation changes mid-season if they deem it gives a team an unfair advantage.
So going forward, McLaren will not be allowed to use this sort of rear wing. But how does this affect the team going forward?
Will this affect McLaren in the coming race?
There are only 7 more races left this season including the Singapore GP this weekend. But during these 7 races, the FIA ruling will not matter. This is because neither of these 7 races demands a low-downforce setup. McLaren’s high and medium-downforce setups will be unaffected by the FIA ruling. So this is good news for McLaren as they look to win both Championships this season.
⚠️ | Sergio Perez on McLaren’s rear wing:
“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.”
[@tgruener] #F1 #SingaporeGP pic.twitter.com/mk5a4nNC8x
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 19, 2024
After the Azerbaijan GP, McLaren has taken a 20-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship. On the other hand, Norris is still 59 points behind Verstappen. But with no FIA rules giving them a disadvantage, the team will be looking to secure both Championships.
What are your thoughts on FIA’s ruling of the McLaren rear wing? Lay them down on the comments section below.
