Lando Norris declared he’s proud of McLaren for pushing the limits of what is allowed in Formula 1, as the team find themselves on the backfoot after the FIA bans their flexing rear-wing.
McLaren found themselves under scrutiny the 2024 Azerbaijan GP when Oscar Piastri’s rear-wing appeared to create what has been dubbed a “mini-DRS” by manipulating the DRS flap to open and allow air to flow through, despite the driver not having DRS to hand.
The trick became credited with playing a major role in the Australian’s victory by critics, who suggested it gave him just enough straight-line speed to evade the clutches of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, who repeatedly had DRS but couldn’t get close enough to make a move for the lead.
It was suspected give them a notable advantage worth approximately two tenths on low-drag circuits such as the Baku City Circuit, according to Red Bull who reported them three times.
But the wing was able to pass the tests by the FIA meaning it was legal for all of the five days until the 2024 Singapore GP, as AMuS reports the governing body ordered the flap be fixed in place, although McLaren contest they offered to make the change.
And despite the appearance thar the team have been running a car that’s perhaps not literally compliant with the FIA rules and regulations of the sport, Norris declared he’s proud of McLaren for looking for those limits.
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“I’m very happy with the job the team is doing,” a proud Norris told members of the media, including Total-Motorsport.com, of the McLaren FIA drama. “Everything’s been tested, and everything’s legal.
“That’s what Formula 1 is about—exploring everything within the rules. We’ve cleared all the tests, and the FIA is happy.
“I’m proud of what the team is doing; they’re pushing the limits, and that’s what you’ve got to do if you want to fight at the top, especially against teams known for doing the same. We’ve not been in this position before, but now we are, and I’m very happy about it.
“It’s cool to see how teams, including us, are finding ways to explore different things that others haven’t thought of. And while people may see us doing it, there are plenty of other teams doing it too—it’s just not always on TV. It’s a big game out there, and I’m very happy with what McLaren is doing.”
Red Bull still pushing for McLaren front-wing ban
Ferrari and Red Bull both suspected McLaren’s front-wing flexed beyond the permitted tolerance at the 2024 Italian GP, giving them extra downforce with no penalty of additional drag, although this has been rejected by the FIA, who said the wing passes all tests.
It appeared to close the chapter and end the saga, legitimising the team’s title charge in the F1 2024 season as they look to become the first non-Mercedes or Red Bull constructors’ champion since 2009.
However, Red Bull have now re-opened that chapter too at the Marina Bay Circuit as Helmut Marko declared they will push to reopen the conversation about their front-wing, which also flexes a considerable amount too.
The world champions will feel that they can get it banned on the same grounds that they just managed to get the rear-wing banned, despite that also being passed as legal and in conformity by the FIA in the races prior to the 2024 Singapore GP.
“Three times we protested against McLaren‘s rear wing three times,” Helmut Marko said to ORF on Friday, September 20. “Today the FIA made a very correct decision.
“McLaren‘s rear wing is not allowed. Now it’s time to look at their front-wing.”
