FIA issues statement on flexi-wings as McLaren 'mini-DRS' in F1 Azerbaijan GP raises concerns

FIA has issued a statement regarding the flexi wings after McLaren MCL38's 'mini-DRS' was called into question during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The British team surprised everyone after Oscar Piastri took the win from Charles Leclerc in Baku last weekend as he defended admirably from the Ferrari driver for over 30 laps.

However many on social media noticed that there was a gap in the rear wing while going through the high-speed corners ahead of the DRS zone on the straight at the Baku City Circuit. The top element of the rear wing was noticed to be rotating back at high speeds and opened a slight gap which enabled the car to reduce drag before opening the DRS.

The mechanism would aid the driver get more top speed and hence been termed as 'mini DRS'. The cheeky design of the McLaren MCL38 was questioned by the rival teams after the footage was released on social media. They asked the FIA for clarification on the topic of flexible wings.

In their statement ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, FIA revealed that they were reviewing the issue and said, via Motorsport.com:

“The FIA is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and reserves the right to request teams to make modifications at any point during the season. However, if a team successfully passes all deflection tests and adheres to the regulations and technical directives, they are deemed to be in full compliance, and no further action will be taken."

“The FIA is currently reviewing data and any additional evidence that has emerged from the Baku GP and is considering any mitigating measures for future implementation. This is part of the standard process when scrutineering technical legality, and the FIA retains the authority to introduce regulatory changes during the season if required.”

Red Bull team boss gives his take on McLaren's flexi rear wing

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that the issue of flexible wings was for the sport's governing body to judge and they would let them handle it and come out with guidelines.

As per Motorsportweek, the Brit said of McLaren's flexi wings:

“I think the regulations are very clear, I think that’s an FIA issue. So obviously there’s a test you pass and then you have to look at the wording of the regulations, if you remember back in 2021 certainly around Baku time there was a change to the front wing regulation, even though our wing passed the test it was exploiting an elasticity."

He further stated that if the issue was "acceptable then you have to join it.” McLaren overtook Red Bull in the Constructor's Championship in Baku as they scored 38 points compared to the latter's 10 after Sergio Perez's late crash. The Woking-based outfit now leads the reigning world champions by 20 points with seven races and three Sprints remaining.