Lando Norris asserts that McLaren does not need to modify their high-performing car to comply with the FIA’s updated regulations on flexible wings for the Chinese Grand Prix.
Formula 1’s governing body is enforcing an immediate decrease in the permitted flexibility of rear wings starting from this weekend’s race in Shanghai. This decision follows evaluations at the Australian GP, which indicated sufficient evidence to warrant stricter testing.
Last year, McLaren modified its rear-wing design after the Azerbaijan GP due to competitor scrutiny and discussions with the FIA. However, Norris states that McLaren is not the focus of this new clampdown.
“We don’t need to change anything, our car is compliant,” Norris stated during a press conference in Shanghai. “In fact, our design was likely too robust, and we probably weren’t maximizing the flexibility enough. Even if this directive had been in place last weekend, we would have been within the limits.”
Flexi-Wings Explained
Formula 1 regulations stipulate that car bodywork should remain static, excluding the DRS rear-wing flap. However, allowances are made for wing flexibility due to aerodynamic forces at high speeds.
The FIA conducts load tests on wings during race weekends to ensure compliance. Teams constantly push regulatory boundaries to gain a competitive edge.
There have been long-standing suspicions that teams manipulate wing designs to pass static tests but achieve greater flexibility at race speeds. The FIA often responds by tightening test standards, as seen before the Chinese GP.
Flexible wings can enhance performance by reducing drag on straights while maintaining downforce in corners. This is achieved if the upper rear wing element can slightly deform backward on straights and return to its original position for corners.
“So, this isn’t aimed at us,” Norris clarified. “It appears to target other teams, suggesting we could potentially explore further flexibility.”
Norris Downplays Championship Lead
For the first time, Norris enters a race weekend as the F1 championship leader after winning the Melbourne race.
Max Verstappen, the reigning champion, had a long streak of 63 races leading the championship before Norris took the lead.
Norris, despite his recent success, is cautious about his championship chances, stating, “It makes no difference to me right now. I’m not focused on it. It shouldn’t change our approach. It was just one good weekend. People need to relax!”
He added, “I’m staying focused and aiming for a similar performance this weekend. I probably won’t consider the championship seriously until halfway through the season.”
While competitors like George Russell from Mercedes suggest McLaren’s performance advantage might exceed Red Bull’s dominance in 2023, Norris remains reserved.
“We are hopeful for China. It’s a different circuit, so we’re not assuming we’ll have the same advantage. We anticipate stronger competition from Ferrari this weekend.”
He concluded, “Red Bull’s speed is evident; they are still very fast. When conditions are ideal, like in qualifying, we might have an edge, but they are close behind.”
