Many predicted that the pecking order would be upended this weekend due to the new regulations surrounding flexible front wings. However, based on the first free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix, it appears that not much has changed so far: McLaren still calls the shots.
As the teams are racing with modified front wings this race weekend, some choose to hit the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the first free practice with flow-vis and aeroracks. Rob Marshall, the technical director of McLaren, claims to F1TV that the modified regulations will not affect the performance of the McLaren.
The notable absentees in this first session are Alex Albon and Esteban Ocon. They respectively give up their Williams and Haas to Formula 2 drivers Victor Martins and Ryo Hirakawa. The latter ends up in the gravel trap for a while, but fortunately, he can continue his way.
Almost all drivers start on the hard tire, and in the first half-hour of this training, Lando Norris leads, followed by local hero Fernando Alonso and Max Verstappen. When the soft tire is fitted, the reigning world champion sets the fastest time. However, he has two panting Ferraris on his tail. Then Marshall’s prediction comes true. Norris dives more than three-tenths under the Dutchman’s time. Is this a harbinger for the rest of the weekend and perhaps the rest of the season?
