Norris 'proud' to see McLaren exploit rules with the flexi rear wing
F1 News
Lando Norris is proud of McLaren for exploiting the rules regarding the rear wing. The FIA confirmed the movement spotted during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix is completely legal (for now), and Norris is pleased to see his team at the McLaren Technology Centre pushing the limit.
After the race through Baku's streets, social media talked about the McLarens' rear wing. Footage showed that the MCL38's DRS flap moved on the straights, even when the system was not activated. This would allow McLaren to use rear wings with more downforce while maintaining a high top speed. This would be particularly helpful when Charles Leclerc was trying to attack Piastri for the lead in Azerbaijan. The Ferrari driver was using DRS and the slipstream but couldn't make the overtake.
The FIA confirmed McLaren are legal. Norris reacted to this news in Singapore. "I'm very happy. They're [McLaren] doing a very good job," Norris said. "Everything's been tested, everything's legal. So we're doing what we can. That's what Formula 1 is for, is exploring everything within the rules. We've cleared all the tests and everything, and FIA are happy. So now I'm proud. I'm happy with what the team are doing. They're pushing the limits, and that's what you've got to do if you want to fight at the top and fight against people who are also known for doing such things and exploring every area possible."
Norris says McLaren are not alone
McLaren moved to the top of the Constructors' Championship last weekend in Baku, ending Red Bull's run since the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix. But Norris doesn't think McLaren are alone with this trick. "We've not been in situations where we could do that in the past, but now we're in that position. So I'm very happy. It's actually a cool thing to see, I think, in my opinion. There's so many roles, there's so many things in place, but teams, including us, are finding ways to just explore and look at different things that other people have not thought of," he added.
"As much as you might see us doing it, there's plenty of other teams doing it that you just don't see on TV and maybe have not led a race and you don't see on certain cameras and stuff. But it's not just us. It's a big game, it's a big race out there. But from my side now, I'm very happy with what McLaren did," Norris laughed.
This article has been created in collaboration with Ludo van Denderen