Is McLaren under scrutiny for their flexible front wings? According to McLaren engineer Rob Marshall, it’s not as severe as it seems. The British engineer explains how his team is no more exploiting the rules around wing flexibility than other teams, and how the FIA keeps an eye on the British racing team.
Lando Norris won the Singapore Grand Prix with a comfortable lead of twenty seconds. However, the paddock was not only buzzing about the Brit’s dominance. There was also a lot of discussion about the wings of his McLaren car. The FIA had already instructed the team to adjust the rear wings, but the flexible front wings seem to be allowed to stay on the MCL38 for now.
McLaren engineer Rob Marshall, who previously worked for Red Bull, doesn’t believe his team is exploiting the wing design rules more than other teams. “I wouldn’t say that (other teams) make less use of it than McLaren, or that McLaren makes use of it. Everyone approaches their wing design in a different way,” explains Marshall. “I don’t think we’re the only ones being scrutinized.”
Working Process of FIA
According to the McLaren engineer, the FIA closely monitors the designs, including the wings, of the cars. “You discuss the requirements of the regulations and whether you comply with the regulations (with the FIA). If you only talk about aerodynamics and characteristics, that’s not what the FIA is interested in,” Marshall gives an insight into the FIA’s working process.
“They want to make sure that the cars delivered to the circuit comply with the regulations. All the guidelines and opinions they have. You work with them to ensure that,” concludes the engineer.
