Lando Norris in trouble with McLaren ‘to lose advantage’ over…read more
Lando Norris and McLaren may be facing a setback that could impact their advantage over Max Verstappen and Red Bull, according to former F1 driver and FIA steward Johnny Herbert. The sport’s governing body, the FIA, has introduced stricter regulations concerning flexible rear wings, following complaints from Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache during pre-season testing. These new measures could significantly affect McLaren’s performance in upcoming races.
The FIA has tightened the rear wing flexibility tests ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, reducing the allowable margin for flexibility in static tests from 2mm to just 0.5mm. This change came after McLaren’s rear wing sparked controversy during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Onboard footage from Oscar Piastri’s car revealed the outer edges of McLaren’s rear wing flexing under load, creating a “mini-DRS” effect that gave the MCL38 a boost in top speed on long straights. While McLaren has not been accused of any wrongdoing, this issue has raised concerns among competitors, particularly Red Bull.
Herbert believes that the new technical directive from the FIA could negatively affect McLaren’s chances of competing for the championship this year, particularly for Lando Norris. Norris, who scored a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix, could see his team’s advantage diminish if the rear wing is no longer able to offer the same aerodynamic benefits. According to Herbert, McLaren had already faced scrutiny over their flexible rear wing last season, but the FIA’s latest actions signal a more stringent approach.
Herbert explained that while there are always rules preventing excessive flexibility, achieving absolute rigidity in components is nearly impossible. However, the FIA aims to limit the performance gains that come from such flexibility, and the tighter regulations are designed to curb any unfair advantage. Herbert also noted that this situation is typical in F1, where teams are constantly looking for ways to gain an edge, and the governing body works to close those loopholes. This time, McLaren’s flexible rear wing is under scrutiny.
The tightening of the rules could make a significant difference to the competition, as it may reduce McLaren’s ability to exploit this aerodynamic advantage. If McLaren is forced to adjust their rear wing to comply with the new stricter tests, it could diminish the car’s performance, potentially erasing the advantage Norris and McLaren currently hold. With other teams likely to follow suit in adjusting their cars to ensure they don’t lose out on similar performance gains, the situation could lead to a more level playing field.
Ultimately, while McLaren has shown promising form this season, the new FIA rules on rear wing flexibility could prove challenging, with potential consequences for Norris and his pursuit of a title in 2024.
