McLaren asked to modify ‘mini DRS’ after Red Bull complaints

Despite earlier reassurance and passing the FIA’s static deflection tests, McLaren will be forced to modify its low downforce rear wing after the FIA received official complaints from Red Bull.

In the days following Oscar Piastri’s brilliant Baku display, Red Bull reportedly lodged an official complaint to the FIA, which the governing body has now sided with, saying bending of the flap edges down the straights/in the high speed will not be allowed, even if the components passed the static tests.

With claims stating that Red Bull conducted its own investigation, the Milton Keynes-based team is believed to have found that the deflection of the rear wing provides McLaren with 1-2 tenths of pace advantage.

“Three times we protested against McLaren’s rear wing,” Red Bull Advisor, Helmut Marko said.

“Today the FIA made a very correct decision.

“McLaren’s rear wing is not allowed. Now it’s time to look at their front wing.”

The now-second-placed constructor became aware of the wing’s movement after videos appeared on social media demonstrating how the flap slightly opens with DRS, supposedly an explanation to how Piastri reached speeds of around 270km/h without DRS being activated.

In a short statement issued by McLaren, the team said:

“Whilst our Baku rear wing complies with the regulations and passes all FIA deflection tests, McLaren have proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing following our conversations with the FIA.

“We would also expect the FIA to have similar conversations with other teams in relation to the compliance of their rear wings.”

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen were both vocal about their thoughts, with the Mexican declaring it “out of the regulations”.

“I thought that wasn’t allowed. I’m very surprised,” Perez said.

Echoing his teammate, Verstappen said he’d seen the footage on social media and agreed.

“I mean, it’s quite clear, of course, that it’s moving, like, it’s at speed,” he said.

“It might be smart, might not be smart, but at the end of the day it’s up to the FIA of course to decide if it’s legal or not right? 

“Of course Baku is not the first time that it was used so there were other tracks as well. 

“I guess it’s important to come with a clarification, but that’s not only on the rear wing it’s the front wing as well. 

“What is allowed? How much is it allowed to bend? All these kind of things, right? 

“So we just have to wait and see, yeah from our side.”

The required modifications won’t impact the team’s running in Singapore, with the MCL38 sporting the high downforce spec this weekend, while circuits the team will have to muster up a new configuration in time for Mexico.

Image: Mark Sutton / Sutton Images

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