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Ralf Schumacher on F1 flexi wings and the world championship in 2024

Schumacher: This is the key to McLaren's success: 'Can't underestimate him'

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  • Toby Nixon
  • Editor

McLaren's rear wing innovation has been a talking point in the Formula 1 world for a while. After the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, McLaren's flexible rear wing solution was highlighted by teams and fans alike. In simple terms, this flex was giving them more speed on the straights, which gave them an advantage over rivals Red Bull, who struggled in comparison. Six-time Grand Prix winner and brother of seven-time world champion Michael, Ralf Schumacher, provided his opinion on the controversial matter. 

Before the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren was asked by the FIA to adjust its rear wing, as it was deemed to have flexed too much. Red Bull's chief advisor, Helmut Marko, previously said that Rob Marshall, former chief engineering officer at Red Bull Racing, is an expert on flexi-wings.

How big is the impact flexi-wings have?

Marshall left Red Bull last year and joined McLaren. The British engineer enjoyed a successful 17-year tenure with Red Bull before his move to Papaya. Speaking to Formel1.de, Ralf Schumacher talked about Marshall's influence on McLaren's MCL38 car. "You can't underestimate him, he has over 20 years of experience of working with Adrian Newey, you learn a lot there, therefore those positions are very important in a team," the German stated.

Schumacher: 'I don't know if flexi-wings are that important for performance'

The former Williams, Jordan and Toyota driver is not sure if these wings are the be-all and end-all, however. "You will have to drive with a little less wing when you want to drive fast on the straight, the whole point of it is that the car turns in the wind and does not just stand in the wind. I don't know if this is an important measure for performance," Schumacher believes.

The German finished a career-best fourth in the drivers' championship twice in his F1 career. The veteran, who started 180 Grand Prix, is looking forward to the rest of the season and fails to rule out a late Lando Norris title charge. "I think Mclaren will stay the strongest car. And you can't underestimate Lando Norris in the current races, it will also give a push, it will get interesting between both of them." Schumacher concluded.

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This article was written in collaboration with Sandy van Wijngaarden

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