WATCH: McLaren’s 'innovative' DRS flap sparks controversy as Oscar Piastri wins Azerbaijan GP

McLaren has found itself at the centre of a heated controversy following Oscar Piastri's stunning victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The spotlight has turned to an innovative feature on McLaren's MCL38, specifically its Drag Reduction System (DRS) flap, which some are calling a "mini-DRS" effect.

While the team celebrated the victory, some fans have raised concerns about whether this feature provided an unfair advantage. Live footage revealed that McLaren’s DRS flap, which is supposed to remain closed unless activated in specific overtaking situations, appeared to slightly lift under aerodynamic load.

Here is the video:

This is just a joke 😂

the rear wing of the McLaren...#F1 #AzerbaijanGP 🇦🇿
pic.twitter.com/ejucH9wUhi

— CL16__FanpageFr 🇲🇨 (@Cl16__FanpageFr) September 15, 2024

This raised portion of the flap increased the space between the main plane and the mobile flap, providing a small yet significant reduction in drag, even when the DRS system was not officially activated. This "mini-DRS" effect seemed to give Piastri's car a noticeable edge, particularly when defending against Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

Is McLaren’s mini-DRS legal?

During the race, Piastri managed to pull away from Leclerc on the straights with relative ease, especially in high-speed sections where the aerodynamic load was enough to engage this unique feature. Charles Leclerc, despite having his own DRS activated and receiving a tow, struggled to close the gap. The Ferrari driver gained only 3.5 to 4 tenths of a second on the 2.2-kilometer main straight, where typically, a well-timed DRS activation would result in more significant time gains.

The unique behaviour of McLaren's rear wing has raised questions among fans. The design allows the MCL38 to run a higher downforce rear wing, enhancing the cornering speed and tyre management without sacrificing top speed. This is achieved by the DRS flap's ability to flex and open slightly under high loads, effectively balancing both downforce and drag reduction.

Despite the controversy, McLaren’s solution appears to be completely legal. The rear wing passed all FIA static tests, ensuring compliance with technical regulations. Engineering in Formula 1 often involves finding innovative ways to exploit the "grey areas" of the rulebook, and McLaren has done exactly that with this clever aerodynamic design. As a result, many argue that this is a moment to celebrate the brilliance of McLaren’s engineering team, led by Andrea Stella, rather than criticize their ingenuity.