Max Verstappen has waded into the controversy over McLaren’s rear wing design ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. The configuration of the MCL38 has been hotly debated after unseen footage emerged on social media after last weekend’s race in Baku.
The rear wing could be seen flexing upwards at high speeds, supposedly giving Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri a reduced level of drag on straights. McLaren have since been accused of running an illegal car by some of their rivals in the paddock.
Sergio Perez admitted on Thursday he was ‘very surprised’ that McLaren are yet to be penalised. Verstappen, however, believes only the FIA can decide whether the Constructors’ Championship leaders are unfairly bending the rules.
“I’ve seen the footage,” said the Dutchman. “That’s the beautiful side of social media, right? Everyone has the video ready, and then, of course, a lot of discussion is made.
“I mean, it’s quite clear, of course, that it’s moving at speed. It might be smart, it might not be smart, but at the end of the day, it’s up to the FIA 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.”
The FIA have already confirmed that McLaren’s rear wing is within the regulations, saying in a statement: “The FIA is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and reserves the right to request teams to make modifications at any point during the season.
“However, if a team successfully passes all deflection tests and adheres to the regulations and technical directives, they are deemed to be in full compliance and no further action will be taken.”
The governing body have also cleared McLaren’s front wing after some of their rivals, including Red Bull and Ferrari, raised corners about possible flexing.
McLaren have emerged as the quickest team on the grid over the last few months, with Red Bull dropping like a stone. The reigning champions were due to run a special livery in Singapore this weekend but decided against it due to concerns over excess weight.
