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Days of speculation regarding McLaren’s ‘mini-DRS’ have forced the FIA to intervene
On Thursday we discussed McLaren’s rear wing, and how that component had become the talk of the Formula 1 world. Despite some consternation from rival teams, the sport’s governing body issued a statement ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix that the rear wing was legal. However, they indicated they would monitor the issue, prompting many to wonder if clarifications would follow before the United States Grand Prix.
It seems we do not need to wait that long.
According to multiple reports such as this one from Motorsport, the FIA has requested that McLaren modify the rear wing so it will no longer flex under aerodynamic load. As video footage from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix noted, when the MCL38 was under aerodynamic load — such as at high speeds on longer straights — the rear wing would flex, creating a gap many termed a “mini-DRS.”
You can see that in action on this angle from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. As Oscar Piastri hits high speeds the rear wing flexes, creating a gap that allows for increased airflow through the rear wing, similar to what you see when DRS is activated and the rear wing is opened:
It is important to note, as pointed out by Terry Widdows, that the rear wing McLaren is using in Singapore this weekend for the Singapore Grand Prix is not the exact configuration they used in Baku. McLaren was not set to use that exact configuration until the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November:
Apple News users can see that post by clicking the above link.
It would seem that rather than opening the door to an innovation arms race, where every team would try and create a rear wing similar to McLaren’s for such circuits, the FIA has stepped in to head off that potential situation.
