McLaren reveals how it dealt with requirement to eliminate its ‘mini DRS’

On the back of McLaren’s rear wing saga, the team’s Chief Designer Rob Marshall has denied that the Woking-based outfit would have exploited any grey area regarding the aeroelastics.

Oscar Piastri took his second F1 victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, after having been able to fend off a series of attacks from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

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

After the race, 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.

Ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, the Woking-based outfit confirmed that although they had previously passed all tests with their former rear wing assembly, they completed several tweaks following a request from the FIA.

Opening up on the topic, McLaren’s Chief Designer Rob Marshall denied that the Woking-based outfit would have exploited any grey areas regarding the aeroelastics.

“I wouldn’t say they’re exploiting it less than McLaren. I wouldn’t say McLaren are exploiting it. I would say that everyone’s approaching their wing design the way they think.”

Pushed on to reveal why McLaren have been under the spotlight, Marshall noted that “everyone can see everyone else’s. I don’t think we are the only people under scrutiny.”

Explaining how teams work with the FIA to ensure compliance with regulations, Marshall insisted that teams are in constant dialogue with the governing body.

“You discuss the requirements of the regulations, and whether you are compliant with the regulations. You just talk about aeroelastics and characteristics.

“They want to ensure that the cars that are delivered to the circuit are compliant with regulations and any directives and any opinion they may have. And you work with them to ensure that and away you go.”

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