FIA reviews McLaren"s rear-wing flexibility concerns in F1

Following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the FIA is investigating concerns regarding the legality of McLaren's rear-wing design. Oscar Piastri's impressive victory raised eyebrows as footage from the team's onboard camera suggested that the rear-wing was flexing at high speeds, akin to a 'mini-DRS' effect. This flexibility could potentially reduce drag and enhance top speed, prompting scrutiny from rival teams. Despite passing mandatory deflection tests, the FIA is closely monitoring the situation as they assess whether the design complies with existing regulations. The FIA's statement emphasized their authority to request modifications from teams if necessary, while also confirming that teams adhering to regulations and passing deflection tests are considered compliant. The governing body is reviewing data and evidence from the Baku GP to determine if any regulatory changes are warranted. This scrutiny is part of the standard process for ensuring technical legality in Formula 1. The controversy centers on whether intentionally designing a wing to flex in this manner violates FIA guidelines. According to technical directive TD34, designs that alter their structural characteristics under specific conditions, such as aerodynamic load or temperature, may not be considered legal. This raises questions about the integrity of the design and its compliance with the spirit of the regulations. As the Singapore Grand Prix approaches, the FIA's ongoing review could lead to significant implications for McLaren and potentially other teams if similar designs are found to be in violation of the rules. The outcome of this investigation may influence future design strategies in Formula 1, as teams navigate the fine line between innovation and compliance.