FIA ‘closely monitoring’ McLaren flexi rear wing design

The FIA is considering whether to conduct a comprehensive investigation into McLaren's rear wing design following concerns about its flexibility.

In Baku last weekend, video footage appeared to show the upper flap on McLaren’s rear wing structure rotate backward at high speeds, seemingly altering the slot gap to reduce drag and boost top speed—a function similar to the Drag Reduction System (DRS) but without activation from the driver.

This phenomenon, which has been dubbed a ‘mini-DR’, quickly drew attention from rival teams, who called for clarification on the legality of such flexible wing elements.

In response to these concerns, the FIA has confirmed it is reviewing data collected from Baku to determine if McLaren’s design, or similar designs from other teams, warrants any intervention.

Ahead of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, the governing body issued a statement explaining its current position.

“The FIA is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and reserves the right to request teams to make modifications at any point during the season.”

• Read also: FIA confirms legality of all F1 front wing designs in 2024

“However, if a team successfully passes all deflection tests and adheres to the regulations and technical directives, they are deemed to be in full compliance, and no further action will be taken.”

This means that while McLaren’s car has passed standard pit lane deflection tests, this alone does not guarantee that the design is in line with the FIA’s broader guidance on wing flexibility.

The concern revolves around a specific technical directive, TD34, which outlines that wings must not exhibit different deflection characteristics on track compared to when stationary during FIA checks.

The directive states that designs “whose structural characteristics are altered by secondary parameters, so as to produce (whilst running at the track) a different deflection characteristic than when stationary during the FIA checks” are not considered legal.

Examples of these secondary parameters include factors like temperature and aerodynamic load.

While McLaren is currently at the center of this controversy, the FIA has indicated that other teams may also be under scrutiny for similar rear wing behaviors.

As part of its ongoing review, the FIA is assessing whether new regulatory measures are needed to address any potential loopholes.

“The FIA is currently reviewing data and any additional evidence that has emerged from the Baku GP and is considering any mitigating measures for future implementation,” it added.

“This is part of the standard process when scrutineering technical legality, and the FIA retains the authority to introduce regulatory changes during the season if required.”

As the season progresses and the competition intensifies, the outcome of the FIA’s investigation could have significant implications for teams looking to push the boundaries of design and performance.

All eyes will be on McLaren and the FIA this weekend in Singaporeas the sport grapples with the delicate balance between innovation and regulation.

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