Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren has announced their decision to modify their rear wing following scrutiny from the FIA. Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren outlined their proactive steps to address concerns surrounding the rear wing of their MCL38, which had previously come under the spotlight during the team's success at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The rear wing design in question showed a peculiar behavior where the upper flap would lift under high-speed loads, creating a semi-DRS effect without the activation of the DRS system itself. Although originally passing all FIA static tests and meeting regulatory standards, public and competitor scrutiny forced the Woking squad to reassess the wing's design. This unforeseen advantage stirred controversy, as it reduced drag and provided a significant speed boost while retaining high downforce in corners.
In a statement from McLaren, the team confirmed that they would comply with the FIA, via PlanetF1:
“Whilst our Baku rear wing complies with the regulations and passes all FIA deflection tests, McLaren has 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.”
The adjustments are set to debut at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, allowing McLaren to utilize the improved performance for the time being, despite the scrutiny being linked to McLaren's competitive performance recently as they reside at the top of the Constructor's Standings.
Rob Marshall, McLaren's Chief Designer, discussed the conversations the team had the FIA:
"They've all got their opinions. We work with the FIA to establish the legality of our car. As long as the FIA are happy, that's the only opinion we need to worry about. There's continued dialogue with the FIA. Week in, week out, day in, day out with various aspects of the car. Yes there has been [communication]. I wouldn't want to focus on what aspects."
Marshall also noted the intense scrutiny that comes with being towards the top of the standings.
"It's very flattering but obviously the nearer the front you are, the more scrutiny you come under. All teams scrutinize their own cars as well as other people's. We scrutinize our car. We work with the FIA to understand the grey areas of whatever element of the car it is and move forward accordingly really."
It's high likely that this incident will lead to more rigorous regulation review process like we've seen with the front flexi-wings. The FIA may now have to extend their scrutiny across all teams.
