McLaren issue FIA probe demand of F1 rivals

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has called on the FIA to probe its F1 rivals following the rear-wing controversy that unfolded in the build-up to the Singapore Grand Prix.

Footage from the Azerbaijan GP showed elements of the rear wing flexing at high speed, providing a boost in a straight line to the drivers.

McLaren maintained the wing was legal amid calls from other teams to the FIA to check its legality. The team ultimately stated it would make changes, even though the component was never declared illegal.

In its discussions with the FIA, Stella called on the sport’s governing body to ensure his team was not the sole focus of attention.

“It gave us the opportunity to [remind] the FIA that we also do some due diligence in terms of studying other people,” Stella told media, including RacingNews365.

“We don’t want to spend so much energy and time with journalists and time to create, and trying to create, big stories.

“We just told the FIA what we think is happening, and we trust, and we are confident, that they will talk to the other teams and make sure that they fix their own issues, which are maybe less visible but definitely do exist.”

McLaren explain rear-wing change

McLaren did not use the rear wing element in Singapore. However, the same configuration with the adaptations is expected to be used in Las Vegas.

As to why McLaren will be making the changes, even though the FIA did not pass judgment on the component, Stella explained a decision was taken in the best interests of the sport given the tension that was building.

“We want to proactively have a conversation with the FIA because it looks like this story is becoming big,” said Stella.

“For us, making changes was pretty transparent, so we may as well do it. It won’t be a big consequence from a performance point of view.”