In the lead-up to the Spanish Grand Prix, there was much discussion and debate about the controversial flexi-wings. McLaren, in particular, was suspected of using flexible front wings. During the race weekend in Barcelona, the FIA imposed stricter requirements on such components. However, critics hoping that this would slow McLaren down were disappointed. After another one-two finish, Lando Norris confirmed that the rules regarding flexi-wings have not changed anything.
McLaren driver and championship leader Oscar Piastri won the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, with teammate Lando Norris close behind. It was the third one-two finish for the ‘papayas’ and their seventh double podium. Moreover, McLaren has won seven of the last nine Grand Prix races. This has given the Woking-based team a lead of over two hundred points over the rest of the field. To put it mildly, you could call this dominance.
Prior to the Spanish Grand Prix, rival teams were hoping that the new technical guidelines, which were supposed to limit the use of flexi-wings, would put an end to McLaren’s dominance. However, the results show that the new rules have had little impact. During the FIA press conference after the race, Lando Norris was asked if there might be other circuits where McLaren would feel the loss of flexi-wings.
Norris: ‘Changes to Flexi-Wings Rules Don’t Make a Difference’
“I certainly hope not,” he replied with a laugh. “So far, the team has been doing exceptionally well. Of course, we also have a lot of strong competition. There were many complaints about our car, and then the new technical regulations were introduced — but that hasn’t changed anything. The team has simply done an outstanding job by providing us with a fantastic car; the best car on the grid. We are very proud to be able to drive this car every weekend. The team deserves this praise every day.”
“Of course, there are still areas where we are vulnerable, especially in the qualification,” Norris continued in a more serious tone. “That’s where it remains incredibly exciting. It often comes down to hundredths and thousandths of a second, and I think that will continue to be the case. However, it’s clear that on average, we simply have the best car — we always seem stronger in the race. That’s not to say that the others can’t overtake us. Our lead was probably much larger at the beginning of the year than it is now. We just need to keep our heads cool and continue to work hard.”
