#flexwing gate 2024

[ecrireverie]

another one on the flexi wings issue

[charles-leclerc-official]

So there is some confusion about the rear flexi wing issue with Mclaren.

While the fact that the rear wing element does appear to flex under load therefor giving a sort of passive DRS advantage. The actual problem is the fact this movement changes the incidence of the element without driver input, which is a possible violation of current regulations.

It's the change in angle of the rear wing without driver input, that is potentially greater than current regulations allow for.

I am assuming that all flexing of both front and rear elements is within whatever the FIA have determined is allowed this year (which means it's fair game for all teams) This very likely falls right on the bounds of what is allowed, at least for this year.

The rear wing this weekend is clearer because it's larger for a track specific setup. So it all appears more pronounced when compared to say Monza.

Now, the current video evidence is compelling, however it is difficult to make a complete judgement because we need exact measurements, and the ones from the footage only allow for the front view. A side angle is needed to determine the actual change in angle of the DRS element.

Here are the regulations in question below, the ones of note for this issue would be 3.10.10 f, 3.10.10 g, and 3.15.10

Without being able to review more footage of the cars and get exact numbers this is still speculation from an observer's end of things. It may seem clear cut but things can be missed on this. Especially since we are limited on what we can observe close up.

I think the chances this is clearly illegal are slim and we mostly just need clarification for other teams to know how to proceed.

[charles-leclerc-official]

are journalist and more "serious" motosport source engaging in this conversation of the illegal thing tho or right now is just fans?

Idk, I am just saying that this is what people are talking about, because I think there is a lot of misinfo out there about the specific concerns.

But also teams have questioned both elements on the Mclaren car, and it has been reported on. So no it's not just fans. I think the teams are asking for two reasons.

To see if they can get it banned and take away a Mclaren advantage. Shocking no one this is what rival teams will do.

Get clarification that this is in fact legal, because then they can do it too. If it wasn't then making the same move would be risky so they have to ask to be sure one way or another.

I think that this probably falls just inside measurement boundaries, or possibly hovers around what is acceptable. I don't think the FIA will respond without significant pressure from multiple teams. Given where we are in the season it's most likely going to just be pushed to next year. It would have to be egregious for them to step in immediately.

The front wing flexing I think is more clearly within the current rules.

This one there is a stronger case to be made on the rear element. But since I can't fully observe everything I can't confidently claim it's legal or illegal.

[charles-leclerc-official]

Hi girl

Can you explain the mclaren car drama if you can?? I'm new to f1 & realy love to read your race analysis but I'm lost here 😂🙈 What did they do? What could be the consequences?

Tnxx

So it's pretty simple, the legality of the Mclaren rear wing has been called into question. Part of the rear element of the DRS is flexing under high speeds. Whether or not this is within the rules is a gray area.

source

This flexing is giving them an advantage on long straights at high speeds as a reduction in drag is an advantage. The legality is questionable, and naturally rival teams are going to have issue with a part that is really dancing on the edge(or just over depending on who you ask and what ruling ends up happening) of what is legal.

Current rules do not appear to allow for this type of flexing, but the way the FIA test these elements doesn't reveal the flexing as being outside of bounds because these parts only flex at higher speeds.

So the question is, does the Mclean wing fall under what is acceptable for rear wing flexibility as stated in the current regulations. As it stands right now there are many opinions and it ultimately is going to come down to what the FIA determine.

The consequences if the FIA decide that this isn't allowed would be that Mclaren have to change their wing to be in compliance for the remaining races. It wouldn't change any past race results.

Teams and drivers have requested clarification on this element and we should get more clarification at some point this weekend. The pressure is much higher now to get answers. I really just want to know one way or the other because it is a gray area that I would like 100% clarity on.

[ecrireverie]