F1 Today | Flexi-wing fallout and Hamilton slams FIA president
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There may be no action on track just yet at the Singapore Grand Prix, but there has been a lot in the paddock on Thursday as teams prepare for the race at the Marina Bay Circuit this weekend. The FIA said they would be analysing data on McLaren and their 'flexi-wings', and there have been lots of reactions from that. Along with that, the FIA also said they want to hear less swearing from drivers during races, with a comment from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem that Lewis Hamilton said had 'a racist element'.
McLaren's 'flexi-wings' sparks debate
Early on Thursday morning, a statement was released by the FIA after there was a lot of talk surrounding the rear wing of the McLaren car. Many fans saw that there was a lot of movement from the wing down the straights in Baku last week, and its legality was then questioned. The FIA's statement said that data was still being studied regarding the 'flexi-wing'.
Oscar Piastri was asked about the rear wing, but he said, bluntly, "that it was legal" and was unfazed about it. Max Verstappen also had no real opinion on the wing, saying "It's up to the FIA, of course, to decide." But teammate Sergio Perez was not so eager to wait for the FIA's finding: "I am pretty surprised by this" said the Mexican after finding out there was no decision made just yet.
Displeasure after FIA president comments about 'reducing swearing'
The FIA also had something else they came out with this morning, with President Mohammed Ben Sulayem making a plea to FOM and saying that F1 drivers "have to be careful with our conduct." However, that did not sit well with Verstappen in today's press conference. After already swearing in the conference, and then being told to 'watch his language' by the host of the press conference, the Dutchman then bit back, as he went on to say, "How old are we? Five to six?"
Another part of Ben Sulayem's comment did not impress Lewis Hamilton. The FIA president said: "I mean, we have to differentiate between our sport – motorsport – and rap music. We're not rappers". He said that comment had "a racist element" to it, which Hamilton saw as unacceptable. "I think those were a wrong choice of words," the seven-time world champion said.
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