Legality of McLaren’s Rear Wing Questioned

Posted by Carrot on March 4, 2010 | No Comments

A year after the very public spat between the teams over double decker diffusers, we now have a new version. This time concentrating on rear wings and the effect that slots on the bodywork have on the airflow at high speed.

Photo Credit: Slitzferrari

“There’s a bit of a fuss over McLaren’s rear wing,” Red Bull Racing team principle Christian Horner said. “They have a slot on it and can pick up a lot of straight-line speed. Basically, if you stall the wing you take all the drag off it and pick up straight-line speed. It’s something that’s been done quite a lot over the years, but with the wing separators you’re not supposed to do that. I think it will get resolved before the first race. We’ve asked the FIA for clarification, although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest.
Our question ultimately will be, ‘Is it clever design or is it in breach of the regulations?’ They must be very confident that it’s legal. I would think it will be legal.”
McLaren responded with a sly dig at Red Bull, saying that not only were they certain of their car’s legality, but that they had spoken to Ferrari and the Scuderia had no problem with McLaren’s innovative solution.

McLaren fans will surely resume a chorus of the “FIA’s got it in for us!” song should the issue be ultimately ruled illegal and the team therefore being forced to institute a last minute change that will undoubtedly send them from contenders for victory to fighting in the midfield.

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