MCL39: did McLaren have to modify its flexible rear wing?. Was McLaren's Wing Non-Compliant?.

Even before the start of the Formula 1 season, the FIA moved to tighten regulations on wing flexibility to counteract the so-called mini-DRS effect that emerged last year. Following pre-season testing in Bahrain, the governing body decided to accelerate the implementation of the revised directive, enforcing it from the Chinese Grand Prix—the second round of the championship.

The directive specifically targets the “slot gap,” the space between the two wing elements, which was originally allowed a maximum deformation of 2mm.

To ensure compliance, the FIA conducts static load tests, applying a 75kg vertical force to one end of the main plane and measuring the deflection. From the Shanghai GP onward, the permitted flexibility was reduced from 2mm to just 0.5mm, with a tolerance of 0.25mm. For Suzuka, this tolerance will be removed entirely, setting a strict limit of 0.5mm.

According to RacingNews365, FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis revealed in China that four or five teams had taken action to bring their rear wings into compliance with the directive, with McLaren reportedly among them.

Was McLaren’s Wing Non-Compliant?
McLaren has been under scrutiny since the start of the 2024 season, with suspicions once again directed at the team. While McLaren has denied making adjustments to comply with the revised regulations, reports suggest otherwise.

It appears that the team had to reinforce its rear wing to meet the new standards, as it would not have been compliant had the directive been enforced from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

If modifications were indeed necessary, they would likely have reduced the designed flexibility of the wing, potentially leading to a slight drop in top speed. However, any impact on performance is expected to be minimal and not significant enough to compromise the car’s overall competitiveness, as McLaren currently boasts the most competitive package on the grid.

Once again, McLaren has proven its ability to push regulatory boundaries and maximize every opportunity within the rules.