Oscar Piastri’s impressive victory at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix is attributed to various factors, including McLaren’s car upgrades and a unique aerodynamic feature known as the flexi-wing. This innovation allows for slight deflection of the rear wing, providing a minor speed boost similar to that of a drag reduction system. Although the legality of this modification is under scrutiny, it currently falls within a gray area of regulatory compliance. The creativity and engineering prowess of McLaren are applauded, even as the FIA may introduce measures to address potential loopholes in future races.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| McLaren’s innovative flexi-wing | Evolving regulations in F1 design | Stricter regulations for wing design | Competitive advantage in racing |
| Mini-DRS boosts race performance | Enhanced aerodynamics in racing | New aerodynamic technologies utilized | Pursuit of speed and efficiency |
| Loopholes in technical regulations | Adjusting to exploit gray areas | Clearer rules and design boundaries | Engineering creativity and innovation |
| Mid-season technical directives | Regulatory response to innovations | Continuous evolution of technical rules | Fair competition and safety |