The FIA has stepped in to demand changes to McLaren’s controversial ‘mini-DRS’ rear wing, with CEO Zak Brown insisting that the modification is just a gesture to quiet their rivals. The McLaren team, which has surged to the top of the Constructors’ standings in 2024, holds a 41-point lead with only six rounds left.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have dominated the last four races, with Piastri’s stunning win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix prompting fierce scrutiny. Rivals Red Bull and Ferrari claimed that McLaren’s rear wing flexed excessively on Baku’s straight, hinting at an unfair drag reduction benefit.
Despite passing all FIA tests, McLaren agreed to adjust the wing after discussions with the governing body, aiming to quell the noise. Zak Brown told The Times, “It’s natural for others to focus on our car when we’re winning. We’ve met every requirement, but to show there’s no secret advantage, we’ve made a small adjustment.”
The controversy has stirred up major names in F1, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur pressing the FIA for action. Flexing aero elements are notoriously tricky to regulate, and while McLaren’s design wasn’t technically illegal, competitors argue it violated the ‘spirit’ of the regulations.
Brown remained unfazed, framing the scrutiny as a testament to McLaren’s innovative strides. “Our rivals wouldn’t be doing their jobs if they weren’t making noise. It’s flattering that they’re challenging our design. We’ve got great innovation on our car.”
As McLaren’s surge continues, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has struggled to win any of the last eight races. The gap in the Drivers’ standings has narrowed, with Lando Norris now trailing Verstappen by only 52 points.
After Norris’ dominant victory at the Singapore GP, former F1 champion Nico Rosberg commented to Sky Sports F1, “This pace is a real threat to Red Bull. If McLaren continues like this, Norris could realistically win the remaining races, putting serious pressure on Max and making his second-place finishes difficult. The World Championship is still very much in play.”
