FIA requests McLaren to modify rear wing assembly

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren have confirmed that they have completed several changes to their rear wing configuration after a request from the sport’s governing body.

Oscar Piastri won the Baku race after having been able to fend off a series of attacks from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Although the two teams appeared to have used similar downforce level at Baku, the Monegasque was unable to retake the lead despite using his DRS on the 2.2km start-finish full-throttle section where the DRS zone was extended by 100m compared to the previous season.

Footage from the rear-facing onboard camera showed that the upper flap of the MCL38’s rear wing was distorting under load, with the most visible aspect of this being the outer leading edge of the upper flap which tilts upwards as speed builds

The Woking-based outfit has now confirmed that although they have passed all tests with their former rear wing assembly, they have now completed several tweaks following a request from the FIA.

A McLaren statement on the topic read: “Whilst our Baku rear wing complies with the regulations and passes all FIA deflection tests, McLaren have proactively offered to make some minor adjustments to the wing following our conversations with the FIA.

“We would also expect the FIA to have similar conversations with other teams in relation to the compliance of their rear wings.”