"It’s an illegal car": Red Bull driver blasts McLaren while Lando Norris defends the team's 'mini-DRS' solution

Sergio Perez was seemingly unhappy with McLaren's 'mini-DRS' that came under the spotlight during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Even though the FIA made all the mandatory checks and allowed the arrangement, Perez deemed it to be "illegal" and questioned the Papayas over their "out of the regulations" move.

The behavior of MCL38's rear wing raised multiple eyebrows last weekend when footage of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's cars surfaced. The top element of the rear wing was seen with a tiny opening that changed its position during the race.

At top speed, it would slit, reduce drag, and boost top speed. During braking, it would slot back to its earlier position, adding more drag. Rival teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari pointed this out and informed the FIA to look at it.

After a few initial checks, the FIA green-flagged McLaren's 'mini-DRS', something Lando Norris proudly talked about. However, Perez wasn't buying any of it. The Red Bull driver, ahead of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, said as per F1 journalist Tobi Gruner:

"It’s clear that it’s out of the regulation. It’s an illegal car. But it seems like, it is allowed. I'm very surprised."

Interestingly, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc wasn't ready to let it pass either. The Monegasque driver termed the 'mini-DRS' controversial.

"From what I’ve heard, it’s controversial to say the least," Leclerc said.

Over the last few race weekends, McLaren has been the team to beat and its MCL38 has displayed mighty race pace and straight-line speed.

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FIA's response to McLaren's 'mini-DRS'

Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes on track. Source: Getty Images

After Red Bull and Ferrari brought the issue to the FIA, the F1 governing body took cognizance of the situation and delved deeper to investigate. It ran the mandatory deflection tests in the pit lane, and the set-up passed the regulations.

A statement regarding this from the FIA said (as per Motorsport):

"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."

As McLaren passed the FIA checks, Norris said:

"We've cleared all the tests and everything and the FIA are happy. So now I'm proud, I'm happy with what the team are doing – they're pushing the limits and that's what you've got to do if you want to fight at the top and fight against people who are also known for doing such things and exploring every area possible."

Following the conclusion of the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren replaced Red Bull at the top of the constructors' championship. With seven races and three sprints to go, it currently has a 20-point advantage over the defending champion.