P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The ongoing row over flexible wings in F1 has taken a fresh turn – as attention has switched from controversy over front wing flexibility to an apparent trick McLaren has come up with on its rear wing
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend in Formula 1, McLaren faced a new twist regarding their rear wing technology, as observed through Oscar Piastri’s onboard camera footage. It appeared that the top element of the rear wing was subtly deflecting at high speeds, potentially aiming to reduce drag and enhance straightline speed. This innovation seemed to focus on manipulating the wing’s top element – the one engaged during DRS activation – to increase the slot gap and decrease drag when DRS was not in use, benefiting in races with long straights such as Baku. The McLaren’s rear wing design may have given it an edge over competitors, like Ferrari, in terms of aerodynamic efficiency, leading to surprising race moments like Leclerc’s unsuccessful attempt to pass Piastri in Baku. McLaren’s recent focus on improving drag at specific downforce levels, seen especially in circuits like Spa, Monza, and Baku, demonstrates their ongoing efforts to balance speed and performance across various race tracks. McLaren’s continuous development and innovation in aerodynamics reveal their commitment to staying competitive in the highly challenging world of Formula 1.
