The 2024 Formula 1 season has been one for the history books, with McLaren leading the constructors’ championship by 21 points over Ferrari. Meanwhile, Red Bull, a dominant force in recent years, has been left trailing in third. Amidst the intense competition, Red Bull’s Technical Director Pierre Wache has launched a scathing critique of McLaren’s rear-wing innovations, accusing the Woking-based team of exploiting “beyond grey” areas of the regulations.
“More Than Grey” Rear Wing Under Fire
Wache didn’t hold back in his comments, specifically targeting McLaren’s controversial rear wing design, which he claims has given the papaya-clad team an unfair edge. The debate centers around McLaren’s alleged use of a “mini-DRS” mechanism, which has sparked scrutiny throughout the season.
“When you see the rear wing of McLaren, I’m sorry, but it’s more than grey,” Wache said. “They use it for multiple races. Without that, they wouldn’t have won in Baku, and the constructors’ championship would look completely different.”
The rear wing innovation has been a cornerstone of McLaren’s resurgence, enabling them to outpace rivals on circuits that reward top-end speed and efficient aerodynamics. Despite murmurs of regulatory violations, McLaren has continued to deploy the design, suggesting the FIA has deemed it compliant.
McLaren’s Meteoric Rise
McLaren’s season didn’t start as a title-contending campaign. Early struggles left the team scrambling to unlock the car’s potential. However, from the Miami Grand Prix onward, McLaren found its stride, leveraging upgrades and strategic brilliance to surge ahead.
Driver Lando Norris played a pivotal role in McLaren’s success. While he fell short of the drivers’ title, which went to Max Verstappen, Norris’ consistent performances and ability to take the fight to the reigning champion proved instrumental.
“What a year it’s been, and I’m so very proud of the whole year,” Norris said after the Qatar GP. “I’ve beaten people I needed to beat. There are things I need to improve, but I’ve learned a lot this year.”
Norris vs. Verstappen: A Season of Fireworks
The on-track rivalry between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen added a layer of intrigue to the season. Their battles were fierce, with neither driver willing to yield an inch. Tensions spilled over off-track, with the two exchanging heated words at various points in the campaign.
Despite their clashes, Norris remains focused on refining his craft and challenging Verstappen again in 2025.
“Maybe it is a year too late, and I wish I could have learned some things earlier, but some things you learn only when you experience them for the first time,” Norris reflected. “I’m determined to come back stronger next season.”
Red Bull’s Struggles and McLaren’s Momentum
Red Bull’s decline in performance this season has been stark, with their points tally standing at 581—far behind McLaren’s 640. Wache’s comments highlight the frustration within the Milton Keynes camp as they grapple with a rare off-season.
While McLaren and Norris celebrate a successful campaign, Red Bull must confront hard questions about their car’s development and strategy for 2025. Ferrari, too, remains in the hunt, ensuring that next season will feature a fierce battle among three top teams.
Looking Ahead to Abu Dhabi and Beyond
As the season finale in Abu Dhabi looms, McLaren and Ferrari will fight tooth and nail for the constructors’ championship. Meanwhile, the controversy over McLaren’s rear wing and Red Bull’s accusations ensures that the off-season will be as dramatic as the racing.
With regulations under constant scrutiny, and teams innovating to the edge of legality, the battle lines for 2025 are already being drawn. The question remains: will Red Bull find a way to reclaim their dominance, or has McLaren ushered in a new era of F1 competition?