Charles Leclerc says Ferrari have mentioned the “controversial” rear wing of F1 rival McLaren internally.
Forward of this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix, F1’s governing physique the FIA confirmed they’re “reviewing knowledge and any extra proof” that emerged over the Baku weekend of McLaren’s rear wing.
Tv footage from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix appeared to point out part of McLaren’s rear wing flexing upwards on the straights, prompting contemporary scrutiny amid an ongoing flexi-wing row.
“Sure, [there is] positively a dialogue that we have already had,” Leclerc advised media together with Motorsport in Singapore.
“I imply, I feel Fred [Vasseur, Ferrari team principal] will go on that matter a bit extra into element, however from what I have been advised, it is controversial to say the least. So, yeah. I am going to depart that right here and I am going to let Fred touch upon it a bit additional.”
Leclerc completed second behind Oscar Piastri in Baku and admitted he was shocked by the power of McLaren’s straightline pace in the course of the race.
“I imply it was an excellent transfer,” the Monegasque stated of Piastri’s race-winning overtake. “Nonetheless, as I stated after I noticed him occurring the within, I knew he was there. I knew it was a chance for him to get previous, however I used to be no more anxious than that.
“I knew that he might take the lead, however I additionally knew that I used to be initially of the warm-up of the tyres, and I did not wish to push on them, so I did not wish to begin going silly by way of how defensive I might get.
“Nonetheless, I used to be mistaken as a result of clearly his straightline pace was actually, actually sturdy and after that I by no means had the chance to go once more.
“I do not assume on the assaults there was something higher I might have executed. I might have executed a greater job defending. Nonetheless, once more, I did not understand how fast they had been on the straights after that.”
Talking in Thursday’s FIA press convention, Piastri insisted McLaren’s rear wing is “authorized”.
“So long as it passes all of the checks – and we get examined lots, it passes, so it’s actually not the magic ticket or magic bullet for why we’re aggressive,” he stated. “It’s authorized, it passes all of the checks, so I’m fairly pleased with it.”
Teammate Lando Norris, in the meantime, stated he’s “proud” of McLaren’s dubbed ‘mini DRS’ trick.
“Every thing’s been examined, every thing’s authorized,” he defined. We’re doing what we will, that is what Components 1 is for – exploring every thing throughout the guidelines. We have cleared all of the checks and every thing and FIA are comfortable.
“So now I am proud, I am pleased with what the group are doing – they’re pushing the boundaries and that is what you have to do if you wish to struggle on the high and struggle towards people who find themselves additionally identified for doing such issues and exploring each space attainable.
“Now I am extra happy with the group for pushing each single space that we will. We have not been in conditions the place we might do that previously however now we’re in that place so I am very comfortable.
“It is really a cool factor to see, I feel, in my view.”
