McLaren’s Mini DRS Loophole is the Talk of the Grid
One of the greatest draws to Formula 1 is that none of the cars on the grid are the same; even the two within one team have slight differences according to the driver’s style, preference, and strategy. With this, the rules and regulations for the cars must be worded perfectly to ensure the difference between cars doesn’t give too much advantage to one team. However, every season, it seems a team will find a loophole or creative interpretation of the wording of a rule, with McLaren being the most recent example. This past weekend at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the rear aerodynamic wing for Oscar Piastri’s car came under scrutiny because, on the straightaways, the wing bent under the downforce, making a small gap that was advantageous.
These types of loopholes are common. For example, in 2009, Brawn GP ran a double diffuser that was fought by the stronger teams all season and led Brawn GP to a championship. Other examples are running with six wheels, new air ducts, hidden cameras, and the list goes on. Every time, the team who finds the loophole kind of shrugs their shoulders on the podium while the other teams scramble to figure out how to emulate it while also running to the FIA to ban it. In the lead up to this weekend's Singapore Grand Prix, some drivers have weighed in on the situation, with Oscar and Lando Norris both praising their engineers for the effect that is helping them both win raises. Conversely, Max Verstappen was asked about the mini-DRS and took a more neutral approach, saying the rules need more clarification and that it is up to the FIA to decide if it is smart or not.
Charles Leclerc did not have as understanding of an opinion when he said that his team Ferrari was bringing some new upgrades to their front wing and not a mini-DRS as well. McLaren has been seen covering their rear wing with tape and trash bags so as not to give away anything to other teams on the grid, showing they know the advantage they have gained. The FIA is allowing the team to use the wing again; however, they have asked for the wing to be modified to limit the bend. It is strange that the FIA has said the wing is legal and compliant with the rules while still asking to alter the wing. It will be interesting to see how the McLarens' performance changes after the alterations, as Christian Horner has claimed to have pointed out the bendy wing in the past this season since McLaren has taken over as the mostdominant team on the grid.
