Red Bull’s Christian Horner is launching a high-stakes bid to derail McLaren’s F1 title ambitions by challenging the legality of their front wing. This comes after a disastrous Italian Grand Prix for Red Bull, where Max Verstappen finished a staggering 37 seconds behind race-winner Charles Leclerc and 31 seconds behind McLaren’s Lando Norris. The poor performance has slashed Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 64 points and left Red Bull’s constructors’ championship lead teetering at just eight points.
As Red Bull grapples with severe understeer and balance issues in their RB20, Horner has set his sights on McLaren’s front wing, questioning its compliance with FIA regulations. The potential for this challenge to succeed could have dramatic consequences for the 2024 F1 season, with McLaren’s title hopes hanging in the balance.
Horner pointed out the importance of the FIA’s interpretation of the regulations, recalling a similar situation in 2021 when Red Bull’s wings passed tests but were still deemed to exploit aeroelasticity. “If it’s deemed acceptable, then we’ll have to join in,” Horner warned, indicating that Red Bull could also adapt their design if McLaren’s wing is allowed to stand.
This challenge is not just a Red Bull crusade; Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur is backing Horner in this effort. Ferrari, who saw Leclerc take a stunning win at Monza, now sees an opportunity to claw back into title contention if McLaren is forced to alter their car. With Ferrari trailing by 86 points in the drivers’ standings and 39 in the constructors’, Vasseur is pushing for a swift decision from the FIA that could tilt the championship battle in Ferrari’s favor.
The scrutiny on McLaren’s front wing centers on its alleged flexibility, which may be providing them with a downforce advantage and better tire management—critical factors as the season enters its final stretch. Should the FIA rule against McLaren, the resulting changes could strip them of their edge, potentially leaving Ferrari as the fastest team on the grid.
“We must respect the FIA’s decision,” Vasseur commented, signaling Ferrari’s readiness to push the issue behind closed doors. The outcome of this technical battle could determine the fate of the 2024 F1 championships, as Red Bull and Ferrari both eye a path back to dominance at McLaren’s expense.
With eight Grands Prix and three Sprint Races remaining, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the championship fight tightens, the pressure is on the FIA to make a crucial decision that could reshape the competitive landscape of Formula 1 in the coming weeks.
