Verstappen camp slams McLaren after viral video sparks fresh cheating allegations – The Formula One paddock has once again been embroiled in controversy, this time surrounding McLaren and a now-viral video that has reignited the debate over flexible rear wings. The footage, which emerged after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, has been shared widely – including by Jos Verstappen, father of reigning world champion Max Verstappen – and has led to fresh accusations of rule-bending.
The video shows McLaren’s rear wing, specifically on the MCL39, appearing to bend significantly when the DRS (Drag Reduction System) is deployed, leading to claims that the team may be exploiting a loophole to gain an aerodynamic advantage.
While the FIA has not launched an official investigation, the Verstappen camp is not backing down. Both Max and Jos Verstappen have been vocal in their disapproval, signalling that they believe the behaviour of McLaren’s rear wing goes beyond what is allowed under current regulations.
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Suspicion at Suzuka: McLaren’s rear wing in the spotlight
The video in question shows McLaren’s rear wing flexing in what appears to be an abnormal way when DRS is activated. Normally, when DRS is engaged, a gap opens between the upper and lower elements of the rear wing to reduce drag and improve straight-line speed.
But in the footage from Suzuka, the wing appears to bend or flex in such a way that the DRS effect might continue even after the system is disengaged – possibly giving the car an illegal aerodynamic edge during certain phases of the lap.
This development has intensified the ongoing “flexi-wing” debate, a recurring issue in Formula One. Teams have long sought to design components that flex subtly under aerodynamic loads to gain performance, while remaining technically within the FIA’s testing parameters. However, when the flex becomes too pronounced, it enters a grey area that could violate the sport’s technical regulations.
The Verstappen camp has taken a firm stance, using the video as a smoking gun to point the finger at McLaren. Jos Verstappen reposted the footage on his social media channels, attracting widespread attention from fans and pundits alike. Max Verstappen, for his part, did not mince his words when speaking to the media after the race.
“A lot of people see what I see,” Verstappen said cryptically, in a clear reference to McLaren’s rear wing behaviour. “Everyone pushes the limits and the FIA has to decide what’s allowed. Maybe,” he added,
“some people read the regulations a bit differently…”
Verstappen’s comments stopped short of directly accusing McLaren of outright cheating, but the implication was unmistakable. He went on to emphasise that it is the responsibility of the FIA – not the teams or drivers – to interpret and enforce the rules.
“I don’t make the rules,” he said. “But I know what I see. And what I see is probably what a lot of people see.”
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FIA reacts with caution, but no action yet
According to a report in The Race, the FIA are aware of the video and have reviewed its contents. However, no official protest has been lodged against McLaren, so the governing body has not launched a formal investigation. In its internal review, the FIA has reportedly turned to its own high-resolution on-board camera footage – considered more reliable than social media videos – to examine the behaviour of McLaren’s rear wing.
So far, this internal footage has not shown any conclusive evidence of rule violations. The FIA has long been cautious about drawing conclusions from public footage due to potential visual distortions caused by camera angles, lens effects and motion blur. However, they are keeping a close eye on the situation.
This cautious approach has not quelled the storm of speculation, especially from Verstappen supporters and elements within the Red Bull camp. They argue that McLaren’s rear wing behaviour is too suspicious to ignore, and that even if the car passes the current flexibility tests, it doesn’t necessarily mean it complies with the spirit of the regulations.
Technical loopholes and the grey areas of F1
In recent years, Formula 1 has cracked down on flexible aerodynamic components with more stringent testing protocols. Teams must now pass deflection tests that simulate aerodynamic loads to ensure that parts such as the front and rear wings remain rigid within specified limits.
But despite these efforts, F1 remains a sport where innovation often happens on the fringes – and where teams look for every possible advantage.
Flexi-wings in particular have been a point of contention. Red Bull itself was accused of similar tactics in 2021, when onboard footage of its rear wing raised concerns about flexibility. As a result, the FIA introduced stricter mid-season load tests, prompting several teams to revise their designs.
The concern from Verstappen and others is that McLaren may have developed a rear wing that flexes just enough to avoid detection in the FIA’s standard tests, but still offers performance benefits during a race. If this is indeed the case, it could be another example of clever engineering that skirts the edge of legality.
McLaren stands firm amid mounting pressure
McLaren has yet to release a formal response to the latest wave of allegations, but sources close to the team insist that their car fully complies with all technical regulations.
The team are confident that their rear wing design has passed all of the FIA’s rigorous deflection tests and that the perceived flexing in public video footage is likely an optical illusion.
Nevertheless, the scrutiny is unlikely to go away any time soon. With teams often keeping a close eye on each other, and rivals eager to point out anything that seems unfair, the situation could escalate quickly – especially if another team lodges a formal protest or the FIA decides to tighten up testing.
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What happens next?
At this point, all eyes are on whether the FIA will take further action. If no formal protest is lodged, the governing body could choose to monitor the situation quietly without launching an investigation. Alternatively, they could carry out new load tests at upcoming races, especially if further evidence or complaints emerge from rival teams.
For now, McLaren remain in the clear, but the shadow of doubt remains. The viral nature of the video and the involvement of high-profile figures such as Jos and Max Verstappen mean that the controversy will not go away easily. As the season progresses, technical innovation – and the line between legal ingenuity and foul play – will remain a central theme in the championship narrative.
And if history is any guide, flexi-wings will not be the last technical battleground in F1’s never-ending war of innovation and regulation.
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