Controversial McLaren Rear Wing Creates Uproar and Ends in Ban
McLaren’s innovative rear wing, which appeared to flex and create a “mini-DRS” effect, has been banned from the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix following a successful appeal by Red Bull. The decision comes after McLaren’s Oscar Piastri claimed victory at the Azerbaijan GP with a wing that reduced drag without sacrificing downforce, giving the team a significant straight-line speed advantage. However, the FIA has now ruled that McLaren must fix the wing’s flap edge parts to prevent any movement, effectively neutralizing the clever trick.
FIA Cracks Down After Red Bull’s Protests: No More Flexing Wings for McLaren
Red Bull, led by Christian Horner, appealed to the FIA following suspicions that McLaren’s rear wing was bending in a way that mimicked a DRS effect, allowing the flap to open slightly under load. The FIA initially allowed McLaren to keep Piastri’s win in Baku, as the wing had passed all load tests designed to catch such flexibility. But after further analysis, the FIA has now ruled against the design, stating that McLaren must ensure the flap remains fixed during competition.
Horner’s Victory Over McLaren: The Battle Continues
Red Bull’s persistence paid off, with Helmut Marko confirming that the team protested the wing three times before the FIA finally ruled in their favor. “Three times we protested against McLaren’s rear wing, and today the FIA made a very correct decision,” Marko told ORF. With the FIA’s ban now in place, Red Bull is not stopping there, signaling they will turn their attention to McLaren’s front wing next.
McLaren’s Advantage Slashed: Rear Wing Worth Two Tenths Per Lap
The controversial wing was estimated by Red Bull to be worth up to two-tenths of a second per lap, a significant gain in F1. The team calculated a 12 kph speed difference between the open and closed DRS states for McLaren, putting them around 8 kph below the rest of the field with their special wing. The removal of this advantage could shake up the title fight, as Max Verstappen seeks to defend his 59-point lead over Lando Norris.
Norris and Piastri Unfazed: ‘Everything’s Been Tested, and Everything’s Legal’
Despite the ban, McLaren’s drivers remain confident in their team’s approach. “Everything’s been tested, and everything’s legal. That’s what Formula 1 is about—exploring everything within the rules,” Lando Norris stated before the ruling. With the FIA’s decision now public, McLaren will have to adapt quickly as they look to maintain their momentum at the top of the constructors’ standings.
The Battle Ahead: McLaren’s Banned Rear Wing to Return in Austin?
The banned low-drag rear wing is not expected to resurface until the United States Grand Prix on October 20, where McLaren will aim to exploit it on another high-speed track. Following that, it could make appearances at other low-drag circuits, including Mexico City and Las Vegas, setting the stage for a fierce battle in the closing stages of the season.
FIA’s Verdict Adds Another Twist to the F1 Title Race
The removal of McLaren’s controversial wing adds another layer of drama to an already intense championship fight. As Red Bull and McLaren continue to push the boundaries of F1’s regulations, the stewards’ ruling serves as a stark reminder that innovation can come at a cost. With the ban now in place, all eyes are on how McLaren will respond and whether this decision will tilt the championship scales in Red Bull’s favor as the season heats up.
