Formula 1 Champion Max Verstappen Addresses McLaren’s Rear Wing Issue

In a change of pace, the usually outspoken Formula 1 champion, Max Verstappen, opted for diplomacy when addressing concerns about McLaren‘s rear wing flexing during the Japanese Grand Prix. During his Dutch media session at the Bahrain Grand Prix on Thursday, he chose his words carefully, acknowledging the efforts of all teams and the varying interpretations of regulations.

Verstappen’s Cautious Response to McLaren’s Rear Wing Flexing

When asked about his thoughts on the apparent flexing of McLaren‘s rear wing under load, Verstappen responded, “I’m not disappointed in that. Everyone is trying to do their best and some people read the regulations a bit differently.” He further added, “I don’t make the rules. And I’m also not the one enforcing them either.

The discussion resurfaced after a video clip of McLaren‘s rear wing during the Japanese GP was shared on Twitter, suggesting potential flexing under load. For comparison, a video of Red Bull’s rear wing is also included in the short clip, but it does not exhibit the same extreme flexing as ‘s.

Although no technical infringements were picked up by the FIA’s scrutineering at Suzuka, the video raises questions about McLaren‘s rear wing, especially since it was reposted by Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen.

The History of the Verstappen-McLaren Controversy

Last year, a brewing row between Verstappen’s Red Bull team and McLaren over a claim that the latter was benefiting from a ‘mini-DRS’ emerged. The controversy centered around ‘s rear wing since the Azerbaijan GP, but it reached its peak during the race in Singapore.

The focus shifted to Verstappen after his swearing outburst in Singapore, which was related to the ongoing dispute between the two teams. However, the FIA has since issued a new Technical Directive (TD) regarding rear wings, with stricter regulations enforced at the Chinese GP.

The FIA is reportedly aware of the video on social media and will likely scrutinize McLaren‘s rear wing intensely in Bahrain. With no new TD issued until the Spanish GP in June, the issue could come to a head this weekend. However, Verstappen will not be the one pointing fingers this time around.