Oscar Piastri acknowledges the controversy surrounding McLaren’s rear wing. The component sparked debate after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix due to its excessive bending under aerodynamic pressure. Until recently, Piastri was unaware of the extent to which his rear wing could flex, but he trusts his team to operate within the regulations. “That’s what happens when you’re leading the pack, everything gets scrutinized,” he says.
Piastri was asked about McLaren’s rear wing during a press conference leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix. “It’s legal,” he responded immediately. “As long as it passes all the tests, there’s nothing wrong, and that’s the case. It’s not as if this is our secret weapon or anything like that. I only found out last week that it could bend so much, but it’s perfectly legal.”
McLaren’s Innovative Approach
According to some experts, McLaren has created a sort of ‘mini-DRS’ by distorting the carbon, which reduces the MCL38’s air resistance on the straights. Is this a golden discovery or just pure coincidence? “We are not in a gray area, everything is thoroughly tested and it has been found to be legal,” assured Oscar Piastri. “It makes sense that you are inspected extra when you are driving at the front, that’s just part of it. We also look at the other teams.”
Driver’s Title
Oscar Piastri used his unorthodox rear wing to crown himself the winner of the Azerbaijan GP. The Australian is thus inching closer to the top of the drivers’ championship. He still has a chance at the title, although he realizes that the chances of him becoming champion are slim. “I’m still in the running, but I’m not at all preoccupied with it. The goal is to secure the constructors’ championship. Of course, I’m doing my best for the title, but it’s very unlikely. I’m not going to delude myself that I’m really in the race.”
