A dramatic turn of events at McLaren: the FIA has officially rejected the rear wing used in Baku, accepting the protests of Red Bull and Ferrari. Although at first the wing seemed compliant with the technical regulations and had passed the required tests, the Federation decided to intervene and impose a modification on the Woking team. The decision came after a careful analysis of the aerodynamic behaviour of the wing, which was deemed not to be in accordance with the spirit of the regulation, especially with regard to the flexing of the rear flap at high speeds.
Red Bull and Ferrari protest
The controversy began after videos surfaced online, clearly showing how the McLaren's rear wing was behaving abnormally from around 270 km/h, when the DRS was closed. This phenomenon would have reduced aerodynamic drag, ensuring an increase in top speed. According to Red Bull, this trick guaranteed an estimated advantage of between one and two tenths per lap, a significant margin on high-speed circuits like Baku.
Red Bull also highlighted a suspiciously low velocity delta between the flap closed and flap open configurations during the race. However, McLaren had initially passed all the FIA’s required steady-state load tests, which is why the Federation took no immediate action. The FIA later reconsidered the issue, highlighting a breach of the rule that the gap between the main blade and the wing flap must remain constant when DRS is closed.
FIA's decision: intervention necessary
The FIA has therefore decided to intervene, requiring McLaren to modify the rear wing to ensure that the observed flexing no longer occurs. In particular, the FIA has asked the team to make the affected part of the wing more rigid. This will avoid any change in shape at high speeds. The decision was made following lengthy discussions with Red Bull and Ferrari, who had insisted on a revision of the McLaren wing.
Despite this, there will be no retroactive consequences: the victory of Piastres in Baku will not be questioned, and the points scored by the team will remain unchanged. The FIA has clarified that the change is required for future races, but that it has not been found to have an advantage significant enough to justify retroactive penalties.
Changes to Make Before Las Vegas
For McLaren, this change does not pose an immediate problem, as the wing in question was not intended for use in Singapore or in upcoming races on the calendar, such as Austin and Mexico. It is in fact a configuration designed for high-speed circuits, such as Las Vegas, where the Woking team could have deployed it again.
The team then has the time it needs to make the requested changes without compromising its short-term performance. However, this decision represents a tactical victory for Red Bull, which has obtained an overhaul of McLaren's aerodynamic solutions.
A small victory for Red Bull
Red Bull and Ferrari can consider this intervention by the FIA as a partial victory, even if the battle is far from over. McLaren has shown that it has one of the most competitive packages on the grid. The next races will be decisive for the title fight. Who knows whether this “trip-up” will have repercussions on the Papaya team or not.
Source: AutoMotorUndSport
