In preparation for the Singapore Grand Prix, multiple teams have prepared a livery. VCARB is going for a Denim look, and Mercedes has chosen to become the green arrows. McLaren honours one of their most successful Formula One cars in the past with a “legends reborn” livery. However, the last team might have to repaint their rear wing as the FIA has made a crucial decision about the legality of their car.
Even though the FIA told the racing teams that no other inspections would happen, images of the McLaren F1 cars in Baku made a bad impression. Other teams filed official complaints about the rear wing. The FIA can’t ignore this, and a whole new investigation was launched.
McLaren’s Rear Wing was deemed illegal!
After the Baku Grand Prix, multiple videos were shared online that showed something strange about the McLaren rear wing! This weird thing sparked a controversial debate about whether the cars were legal. Oscar Piasrtri won the race and Lando Norris had an amazing race as he finished P4 after having to start in the 14th position. However, other teams said it wasn’t really a fair race because of the flexing rear wing.
All material on Formula One cars moves a little bit. However, these parts can only bend within a certain parameter. When the McLaren F1 cars were being tested, they stayed within these parameters but the rear wing acted differently during the race in Baku. It bends so much, creating a little opening between the main spoiler and the DRS part of the wing. The DRS provides less drag on straights, making the cars faster. The gap between the DRS and the rest of the car was called a “mini DRS” since it is doing the same, on a much smaller scale!
Red Bull is going for the front wing next
Red Bull, the team that is making the most complaints, is happy with the decision of the FIA. However, earlier this week, the front wings of Ferrari and McLaren cars were also flexing in ways they shouldn’t. This is what they’re going after next!
