FIA Calls for McLaren Rear Wing Tweaks Amidst Flexi-Wing Saga, Ferrari Voices Frustration

The FIA, Formula 1's regulatory authority, has instructed McLaren to make adjustments to their contentious rear wing, while Ferrari has acknowledged their irritation with the situation.

The FIA has requested McLaren to alter their rear wing design due to the continuing debate around flexible wings in Formula 1.

The controversy arose when competitors raised concerns over the legality of McLaren's rear wing after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This came to light when video evidence seemed to reveal a section of the wing on Oscar Piastri’s car, who won the race, bending upwards while on the straight sections of the track.

McLaren has maintained that their vehicle adheres to regulations and has successfully met all of the FIA's inspection criteria. However, they have acknowledged that they proposed modifications following discussions with Formula 1's regulatory organization.

"A spokesperson for McLaren stated that although their Baku rear wing meets the regulatory requirements and has passed all of the FIA's deflection examinations, the team has voluntarily proposed to implement a few small changes to the wing after discussions with the FIA."

"It is anticipated that the FIA will engage in comparable discussions with additional teams regarding the adherence of their rear wings to regulations."

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari labeled the rear wing as "at the very least, contentious," with Red Bull also expressing worries regarding McLaren's actions.

During the press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday, Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, emphasized that the issue is clear-cut.

"Vasseur mentioned a mix-up between the issues concerning the front wing and those of the rear wing, pointing out that prior inspections had approved McLaren's front wing."

"The group reached a consensus that the front wing might fall into a somewhat ambiguous category. This is because the initial section of the Technical Directive explicitly mentions that designing any car component with the purpose of it deforming is prohibited. The challenge lies in regulating intent."

"The narrative surrounding the rear wing is entirely distinct due to the fact that the piece also discusses maximum bending, and this situation is clear-cut. There are no ambiguities, neither slight nor significant. It's straightforward. In my view, it's obvious."

Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari is feeling disappointed because McLaren has managed to secure a competitive edge through the implementation of the so-called 'mini DRS' at recent races.

"Up until now, we've only examined past occurrences on tracks with minimal downforce. I doubt they plan to employ the same strategy in places like Singapore or Zandvoort," he stated.

"Once more, we must entrust the oversight and the FIA with the duty. It's not my role to undertake that. They must handle it, and we need to have faith in them. I'm not lodging any complaints about this matter."

"I believe it's quite clear. We've all witnessed the footage and images of the incident, and it can be quite aggravating, especially when you recall the scenario at Monza where five cars were within a mere two and a half seconds of each other.

"You progress from Position 1 to Position 2, then on to Position 5 and finally Position 6 within a span of just two and a half seconds. At Baku, we end up alongside each other at the first turn, which, as you might guess, leads to some feelings of frustration."

In response to inquiries regarding whether Ferrari regrets not taking a more assertive stance on the rules, Vasseur stated, "Truthfully, we are exerting maximum effort within the bounds of what we deem lawful."

"I'm unable to request the team to exceed this boundary. However, currently, we're responding, and the moment we receive further information from the FIA, we will proceed. Provided that they approve."

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