The FIA will be enforcing stricter controls on flexible front wings at the upcoming Spanish GP. The technical regulations have been further tightened – from now on, the carbon is allowed to bend less under aerodynamic pressure. McLaren, which has been suspected of using flexi-wings in recent months, could potentially be affected by these rules, although driver Lando Norris is approaching the race weekend without concern.
During an FIA press conference in the run-up to the Spanish GP, Lando Norris was asked about the new technical guidelines. The competition, in particular, is expecting and hoping that McLaren will prove to be less competitive. Jos Verstappen previously spoke of a ‘level playing field’ in Barcelona. The Englishman, who triumphed in Monaco last weekend, appeared indifferent to the stricter controls.
“I’m not worried at all,” Norris stated flatly. “We’ve made some adjustments here and there, but that doesn’t change anything for us.” Former teammate Carlos Sainz, who was also present at the same press conference, likewise confirmed that he is not anticipating a new power dynamic. “All teams may lose some time, but I don’t think it’s going to make a big difference,” said the Spaniard.
‘Qualifications Need to Improve’
Norris is more focused on the things he can still improve himself. After his victory in Monaco, he wants to further reduce the gap to teammate Oscar Piastri – still the championship leader. “Especially the Saturdays were often inconsistent for me,” Norris explained. “I’m actually always quite satisfied with my races. Of course, I could have done certain things differently, but sometimes things just turn out differently than hoped. On Sundays, I always have a lot of self-confidence – I just need to keep working on my Saturdays. After all, the qualification determines whether you can win races or not.”
The 25-year-old Norris has closed the gap to his teammate to just three points in the championship. Max Verstappen follows at a distance of 22 points. Experts previously spoke of an emerging Papaya-war, a title fight between the two McLaren drivers. However, Lando Norris doesn’t want to hear anything about that. “I don’t know why people think that only Oscar (Piastri, ed.) and I are competing for the victory,” he concluded sharply. “Verstappen has already won races and Ferrari is certainly not that far behind us.”
