After the Japanese Grand Prix, social media buzzed with speculation when footage of Lando Norris’s McLaren rear wing circulated online. The video, showing the wing’s behavior during high-speed segments, has sparked debate due to suggestions of rule-bending.
The controversy began when a rear-facing camera captured an intriguing mechanical behavior during the Suzuka race, where McLaren’s rear wing seemed to alter its slot gap at high speeds. This video quickly gained traction, shared by noted figures such as Jos Verstappen, Max Verstappen’s father, adding fuel to the fire of speculation.
This phenomenon is rooted in the ongoing discussions within the Formula 1 community about ‘flexible wings’. Earlier discussions saw Red Bull pointing fingers at rivals like McLaren for allegedly employing these so-called ‘mini-DRS’ technologies during pre-season. Red Bull’s technical director highlighted this practice, observing its visibility and persistency, stating, ‘It is still going on.’
The FIA has long been vigilant about such practices, tightening regulations around wing flexibility. Most recently, they’ve imposed strict testing standards as teams were required to adhere to a 0.5 mm flexibility limit to maintain fair competition. Red Bull has been vocal about this, with Helmut Marko pointing out a differing narrative that calls for the FIA’s intervention.
Lando Norris, however, stands firm against these claims. He asserts that McLaren’s engineering is fully compliant, dismissing accusations as baseless. During a candid moment captured in Bahrain, Norris explained, ‘We’re all fully within the rules. We’re doing a good job.’ He suggested that instead of pointing fingers, other teams should refine their strategies.
Norris critiqued the public’s assumptions, arguing that without technical insight, outsiders misinterpret what they see. He remarked that the video alone is not conclusive, posing questions about the apparent changes, ‘How do they know it’s the rear wing that’s flexing? They don’t, it could be the whole car.’
As McLaren holds the top spot in the Constructors’ Championship, leading by 36 points and Norris narrowly ahead of Verstappen in the Drivers’ standings, the stakes are high. The ongoing scrutiny only adds pressure as team dynamics continue to evolve.
In the ever-competitive world of Formula 1, McLaren’s success and innovative approaches come under constant examination. While the rear wing debate captures attention, Lando Norris remains unfazed, focused on racing within the rules and achieving victory on the track.
