McLaren driver Lando Norris has asserted that the clampdown on flexible wings, implemented starting from the Spanish Grand Prix, had no effect on the team`s performance. This follows significant complaints from rival teams regarding McLaren`s car design.
Leading up to the Barcelona event, a major discussion point was whether McLaren would suffer from the introduction of stricter tests on front wings. Some rivals, including Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur, had suggested that the rule change could potentially be a “gamechanger” for the competitive hierarchy, especially looking ahead to 2025. McLaren was widely believed to be among the teams benefiting from front wing flexibility.
However, McLaren demonstrated strong form at the Spanish GP weekend. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locked out the front row in qualifying, marking a dominant performance. In the race, Norris finished in a strong second place.
Commenting on the regulatory change and the team`s performance, Norris stated, “There was a lot of complaints about our car, and they introduced this TD [Technical Directive] and changed nothing.” He praised the team`s work, adding, “The team have done a very good job to just give us a good all-round car and the best car on the grid. So, we`re very proud to be able to go and drive those cars every weekend. It`s credit to the team.”
While teams like Ferrari were potentially expected to gain from the updated rules, McLaren remained highly competitive on track. Race winner Max Verstappen utilized an alternative strategy, but McLaren`s inherent pace was evident.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton was critical of the updated regulations, which necessitated most teams developing new front wings. He argued that Formula 1 “should be giving that money to charity” instead of spending it on rule changes that, in his view, achieved little.
“The balance is definitely not as nice as what we had before,” Hamilton remarked. “It hasn`t made any [difference to the leaders]… What a waste of money, it`s just wasted everyone`s money. It`s literally changed nothing. Everyone`s bent wings still bend. It`s just half the bending, and everyone`s had to make new wings, and spend more money to make these. It doesn’t make any sense.”
The FIA`s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, explained the decision to introduce the stronger tests from the ninth round onwards, rather than at the start of the season. He stated that a deferred introduction was deemed more sensible to avoid placing undue burden and expense on teams by forcing them to scrap existing wings.
Despite McLaren`s strong weekend result, Norris cautioned that the team remains somewhat “vulnerable” when it comes to single-lap qualifying pace compared to their competitors. He pointed out that previous qualifying sessions have often seen minimal gaps between the top teams.
Norris concluded that while McLaren currently has the best car on average, particularly showing strength in race conditions, rivals are clearly making progress and closing the gap. He emphasized the need for the team to continue their focused efforts and hard work.
