Oscar Piastri’s stunning win at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix not only highlighted his impressive driving skills but also drew attention to McLaren’s rear wing, which sparked a storm of controversy. The onboard footage from Baku revealed that the MCL38’s rear wing appeared to flex under load, effectively creating a mini DRS that reduced drag at high speeds—a feature Piastri himself was unaware of until it was brought to light.
Piastri, who executed a masterful overtake on Charles Leclerc and defended his lead for 30 laps with the Ferrari driver constantly in DRS range, was quick to dismiss any notions of wrongdoing. “To be honest, the first time I knew it did that was the same time as everyone else last week,” Piastri told journalists. “It’s not a grey area. It gets tested every week. It’s legal.”
The design feature, which appeared to open a small slot at high speeds, provided McLaren with a significant straight-line speed advantage, particularly in Baku’s flat-out sector three, where overtaking opportunities are abundant. Despite the attention on the flexing wing, the FIA reviewed the footage and declared it legal ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, allowing McLaren to continue using the design.
However, the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore is unlikely to provide the same advantage. While the circuit now includes a fourth DRS zone, the track layout lacks the long, uninterrupted straights of Baku, meaning McLaren’s controversial rear wing might not be as beneficial.
Despite the FIA’s ruling, rival teams are expected to explore similar designs, with Red Bull already planning a significant upgrade for the next race in Austin. Piastri acknowledged the increased scrutiny: “I think it’s natural, think you look at any car that’s been competitive and it always gets scrutinised to the highest level.”
He referenced previous instances, such as Mercedes’ rear wing controversy and Red Bull’s DRS advantages in recent years, pointing out that all teams constantly analyze their competitors to gain an edge. “When you’re at the front, and you have a car within a second of you for 30 laps… naturally people are going to notice it more too.”
McLaren’s resurgence has put them in the spotlight, ending Red Bull’s 847-day dominance in the constructors’ standings after the Azerbaijan GP. With a 20-point lead in the constructors’ championship and seven races remaining, McLaren is eager to capitalize on their momentum in Singapore before heading into a crucial three-week break.
