Helmut Marko demands that FIA investigate another McLaren part after rear wing ruling

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McLaren will have to change their low-downforce rear wing after an instruction from the FIA. Rivals had questioned its compliance with the regulations.

Red Bull complained to the sport’s governing body after reviewing footage from the rear-facing camera at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. McLaren were creating a ‘mini DRS’ effect to improve straight-line speed.

Flexible bodywork is outlawed in F1. It should be stressed that the wing passed FIA tests, but clearly they were concerned by the new evidence presented.

This isn’t the first enforced change to the MCL38. Earlier in the season, McLaren had to close a hole in their brake covers after Red Bull raised the issue.

The team said that the hole existed to provide access to a temperature sensor. But this could also have been an artificial brake cooling device.

McLaren have become the class of the field in F1 this year, scoring four race victories and a season-high 16 podiums. They overtook Red Bull for the lead of the constructors’ championship in Baku, where Oscar Piastri bagged his second win of 2024.

Helmut Marko and Red Bull call for FIA investigation into McLaren front wing

Speaking to Austrian broadcaster ORF in Singapore, Red Bull executive director Helmut Marko revealed that Red Bull had lodged three protests against the wing. Disputes of this nature occur almost every year in Formula 1.

Marko commended the FIA on finally upholding their challenge, but he’s not satisfied. He now wants them to examine the McLaren front wing.

This has been another ongoing story in the paddock in recent months, with replays appearing to show movement in the front wings of certain cars. The FIA used cameras to carry out an investigation at the Belgian GP prior to the summer break.

“Three times we protested against McLaren’s rear wing,” Marko said. “Today the FIA made a very correct decision. McLaren’s rear wing is not allowed. Now it’s time to look at their front wing.”

Zak Brown comments on McLaren’s rear wing age poorly

Speaking at the Hungarian GP in July, Martin Brundle warned that the FIA’s front wing investigation could ‘scramble the pack’. There are only six races remaining after Singapore, but there’s still time for a clampdown to influence the outcome of both championships.

McLaren’s lead over Red Bull remains slender, with Ferrari only 50 points behind. In the drivers’ standings, Lando Norris still has a chance of overhauling the 59-point gap to Max Verstappen.

Zak Brown hailed McLaren’s technical team for their clever rear-wing trick, but those remarks have aged poorly. The FIA have now decided that it’s not within the rules.

Brown’s squad have made staggering progress since the start of 2023, when they were F1’s slowest team. They scored regular podiums in the second half of last year before joining the victory fight with a major upgrade package in Miami in May.