F1 News: Fans call for McLaren's illegal car to be disqualified

The FIA have clarified the status of McLaren’s cars amid fan calls for McLaren to be disqualified because their car is illegal.

Fans called for the FIA to investigate McLaren after onboard footage of Piastri’s rear wing was posted on Twitter.

Fans expressed concern over the rear wing’s deflection under high speed.

🔍Comparing the difference in rear wing deflection under load for the top three teams in Azerbaijan.

McLaren seems to be the only team where the gap between the main plane and the DRS flap widens at the edges when the wing is under load.

📸: stills from @F1 #F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/x0kivgccXX

— MultiViewer (@f1multiviewer) September 15, 2024

While against the intent of the regulations that outlaw movable aerodynamic devices, the FIA confirmed that it had assessed all cars to be fully legal in that regard

The FIA’s Technical Delegate Jo Bauer said: “All car weights and the items checked were found to be in conformity with the 2024 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations.”

Earlier this month, Red Bull and Ferrari both raised a complaint with the FIA over the flexibility of McLaren’s front wing and whether it breached technical regulations.

But the FIA again confirmed that the car part was compliant, stating: “The FIA is examining front wings at every event with numerous checks (conformity of surfaces, conformity of deflections) with respect the relevant F1 Technical Regulation. All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations.”

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is surprised by the FIA’s approval of McLaren’s rear wing, “It’s clear that it’s out of the regulation. It’s an illegal car. But it seems like, it is allowed. I’m very surprised.”

“I mean, it’s quite clear, of course, that it’s moving at speed,” said Max Verstappen.

“It might be smart, it might not be smart, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the FIA, of course, to decide if it’s legal or not.”

“Of course, Baku was not the first time that it was used. There were other tracks as well. I guess it’s important to come with a clarification. But that’s not only on the rear wing. It’s the front wing as well. But what is allowed, how much is it allowed to bend, all these kinds of things, right? So we just have to wait and see from our side.”