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Formula 1\u2019s governing body the FIA says McLaren\u2019s rear wing complies with the rules after rivals Red Bull raised questions about its legality.<\/b><\/p>\n
Television footage from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix last weekend appeared to show a part of McLaren\u2019s rear wing flexing upwards on the straight.<\/p>\n
An FIA spokesperson said the McLaren had passed all tests with regard to flexibility of bodywork and complied with the rules.<\/p>\n
They added that the FIA was \u201creviewing data and any additional evidence that has emerged from the Baku GP and considering any mitigating measures for future implementation\u201d.<\/p>\n
A McLaren spokesperson said their car was \u201clegal within all the deflection tests and complies with all the regulations\u201d.<\/p>\n
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, who won the race in Baku, said: \u201cIt\u2019s legal. We get tested a lot and it passes. It is certainly not the magic ticket or bullet for why we\u2019re competitive. I am pretty happy with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Red Bull\u2019s Max Verstappen is leading the championship by 59 points from McLaren\u2019s Lando Norris, who has been closing in on the Dutchman in recent races following a drop in Red Bull\u2019s competitiveness.<\/p>\n
After winning seven of the first 10 races of the season, Verstappen has not won for seven races, while Norris and team-mate Piastri have won three of the past five between them.<\/p>\n
F1\u2019s rules dictate that aerodynamic components must be \u201cmust be rigidly secured and immobile\u201d.<\/p>\n
The McLaren rear wing appears to flex at the front corners of the flap as speed increases on the straight. The flap is the upper part of the wing that flips upwards when the DRS overtaking aid is deployed.<\/p>\n
This creates a larger gap between the main plane and the flap, which may reduce drag and increase straight-line speed.<\/p>\n
The wing then returns to its normal position for the corners, increasing downforce and grip.<\/p>\n
The FIA statement said: \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cHowever, 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Red Bull spokesperson declined to comment. At least one other team is known to have concerns about McLaren’s rear wing.<\/p>\n