A rear wing controversy that had System 1 rivals up in arms on the Singapore Grand Prix was a “pink herring” and excellent news for McLaren even when they don’t use that model once more, the group’s boss Andrea Stella has mentioned.

The championship leaders drew scrutiny after video confirmed the wing flexing at pace, with speak of a “mini-DRS” drag discount impact, throughout the Azerbaijan Grand Prix received by McLaren’s Oscar Piastri the earlier weekend.

Editor’s Picks

2 Associated

McLaren agreed to change the wing, which handed checks however wouldn’t have been utilized in Singapore as a result of traits of the circuit, for future races after talks with the governing FIA.

Stella mentioned it was all one thing of a “pink herring,” a deceptive distraction.

“For us, making adjustments is just about clear, so we might as nicely do it,” he instructed reporters on the Marina Bay circuit earlier than the race.

“It will not be a giant consequence from a efficiency viewpoint.

“Personally, because the principal of McLaren, I discover that a lot consideration on our rear wing is simply excellent news as a result of it implies that opponents will not be specializing in themselves,” Stella added.

“And System 1 is such a marginal sport, it is so sophisticated… Once I see that there is a lot consideration from different groups, it implies that they are going to be doing work, they are going to be doing evaluation, they are going to be speaking to the FIA.

“There’s restricted time and restricted power. They’re utilizing this time and power to chase one thing that I believe is a pink herring. So for me as McLaren, that is simply excellent news.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris was dominant in Sunday’s race, successful from pole place by 20.945 seconds from Crimson Bull’s championship chief Max Verstappen whose lead is now 52 factors.

Piastri, who began fifth, completed third with McLaren stretching their lead within the constructors’ championship to 41 factors over Crimson Bull.

“Undoubtedly the drivers’ championship remains to be on, the mission is on,” Stella mentioned after the race.