McLaren To Modify ‘Mini DRS’ Low-Downforce Wing

McLaren To Modify 'Mini DRS' Low-Downforce Wing
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38
McLaren To Modify 'Mini DRS' Low-Downforce Wing
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38

McLaren will modify its highly controversial ‘mini DRS’ rear wing, following three protests from rivals Red Bull that were supported from the sidelines by Ferrari.

“The FIA must react,” demanded Red Bull F1 advisor Dr Helmut Marko in Singapore.

Viral images and videos of McLaren’s field-leading car from the rearward-facing onboard camera sent shockwaves up and down the Formula 1 paddock after last weekend’s Azerbaijan GP.

Marko described it as “extreme bending”, resulting in two DRS-like drag-shedding gaps opening up at the extreme ends. “The rules are clear that the wing must not change aerodynamically while driving,” the Austrian insisted.

Earlier, McLaren sounded confident the wing was completely legal. When asked how he can be so confident of that, McLaren designer Rob Marshall told Viaplay: “By reading the rules.

“There are often ambiguities in the rules, but they are there to be clarified.”

Although the McLaren wing passes the FIA’s static flexibility tests, Marko said the regulations also forbid excessive bending when on the track.

“That wing bends,” he said, “and it gives them an advantage.”

When rumours began to circulate that the FIA had asked McLaren to tweak the design, the team told journalists via Whatsapp that it volunteered to make the changes.

“It was us who offered to change the wing,” confirmed McLaren CEO Zak Brown. “It’s a small adjustment to our Baku wing, and it won’t make a huge difference, so I’m pretty relaxed about it.”

Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur said seeing the images from Baku left him “frustrated”, but he left the actual protesting to Red Bull.

The energy drink-owned outfit calculated the innovation to be worth 1-2 tenths per lap. “We protested against McLaren’s rear wing three times,” Marko confirms. “Today the FIA made a very correct decision.

“Now it’s time to take a closer look at their front wing.”

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

More in News

Motor Racing Williams Racing Fw47 Launch

Carlos Sainz And Alex Albon Get Behind The Wheel Of The FW47 For The First Time

Atlassian Williams Racing’s 2025 challenger, the FW47, made its on-track ...
Sebastian Vettel Lifestyle

Red Bull, Audi, Aston All Rejected Vettel

Dr Helmut Marko has revealed that he issued a clear ...
Depositphotos 743295246 L

Alpine Must Fight For Title In 2027 – Briatore

Alpine is hoping for the odd podium in 2025, regular ...
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Amr24

Aston Martin Expectations ‘Low’ For 2025 Season

Aston Martin's expectations are "low" for the 2025 season. That's ...
F1 Grand Prix Of Miami

F1 Provides Reason For Scrapping Bonus Point

Formula 1 axed the fastest lap bonus point for the ...

Trending on F1 Chronicle