The FIA has admitted that it will review whether action needs to be taken concerning flexi-wings on Formula 1 cars amid suspicion about McLaren‘s rear wing design.
McLaren’s rear wing has created a debate since the rearward-facing onboard camera on Oscar Piastri‘s car in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix showed interesting behaviour.
Piastri was able to utilise a straight-line speed advantage over Charles Leclerc to repel the Ferrari driver’s advances over a considerable period to take the win in Baku.
However, the top element on McLaren’s rear wing appearing to open up the slot gap to reduce drag has prompted concern over how that top speed edge was secured.
The intriguing design has earned the nickname ‘mini DRS’ in the paddock and has led rival teams to seek clarification over what is permitted concerning flexing wings.
Before this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA has revealed that video content from the previous event will be reviewed to assess whether changes are required.
An FIA statement said: “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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
McLaren’s MCL38 car has complied with the standard deflection tests that occur in the pit lane, but that doesn’t ensure that it adheres to the FIA’s guidance on flexing.
The FIA’s TD34 technical directive states that parts which are deemed legal in the pits could display behaviours against the regulations when moving at racing speeds.
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