Perez ‘surprise’ following McLaren rear-wing legality review

Sergio Perez feels McLaren is receiving a “massive benefit” from its controversial rear-wing. 

On-board footage from the MCL38 of Azerbaijan GP race-winner Oscar Piastri showed the rear-wing flexing at high-speed, creating an almost pseudo-DRS when Piastri was not able to activate the wing in the conventional manner.

It comes as the subject of flexi-wings has reared its head again, with the FIA previously looking into front-wing flexing, especially of the McLaren and Mercedes machines, with Red Bull and Ferrari seeking clarity from the FIA. 

The governing body is responsible for all technical matters, and is currently satisfied that the wings are legal and they have not failed any FIA-mandated test to date, with Lando Norris even pointing the finger back at Red Bull for its own history with flexi-wings.

Evaluating the situation around his former team, Perez admitted he was “very surprised” the wing has been deemed legal.

“I’m pretty surprised, I thought that it wasn’t allowed,” Perez told media including RacingNews365. 

“But it seems like it is, so I am as surprised as you all are – it is definitely a massive benefit.

“I’m not an expert in technical stuff but I am sure the team is looking at it and why all of a sudden it is now allowed. 

“I am very, very surprised.”