The Formula 1 season may see a major shift come the Spanish Grand Prix, as new front wing flexibility restrictions are set to take effect. These changes are expected to directly affect McLaren, which has admitted that modifications to its MCL39 car will be necessary to comply with the new regulations.
While Red Bull eyes this as a potential opportunity, Max Verstappen remains cautious about speculating on how the restrictions might influence the title race. He emphasizes that his focus is on improving Red Bull’s car rather than hoping rivals are slowed down by rule changes.
Verstappen Stays Focused Amid Wing Rule Changes and McLaren Rear Wing Controversy
Verstappen is not entertaining thoughts of how these upcoming changes could tip the championship battle in Red Bull’s favor. Despite team boss Christian Horner suggesting McLaren might lose ground post-Barcelona, Verstappen insists there’s little point in thinking about that until Red Bull is back on par performance-wise. “We have to get there first,” he said, brushing aside strategic speculation and reiterating his commitment to focusing solely on his team’s development.
Verstappen Blocks Out Hype as Barcelona Wing Rules Threaten McLaren’s MomentumWhile attention is on the front wing regulations, a new controversy surrounding rear wing flexibility has surfaced. Video comparisons from the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka show McLaren’s rear wing flexing more noticeably than Red Bull’s.
This footage gained traction online and was even reposted by Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, suggesting potential irregularities in McLaren’s rear wing design. The implication is that McLaren may still be pushing the limits of aerodynamic regulations.
FIA Holds Back as Tensions Rise Over McLaren’s Wing and Barcelona Shake-Up
Despite the growing online buzz and the apparent evidence from the videos, the FIA has not launched a formal investigation into McLaren’s rear wing. It clarified that unless a team files a formal complaint or there’s a clear breach of the rules, no action will be taken.
As of now, McLaren’s car has passed all technical checks. This highlights the complexity of enforcing aerodynamic regulations, especially when innovations push right to the edge of what’s permissible.
With the Spanish Grand Prix looming as a potential turning point, tensions are simmering. McLaren’s rise in performance and aggressive wing designs have clearly caught Red Bull’s attention.
Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris has teased the rivalry, suggesting he’d be curious to see Verstappen’s reaction if he ever drove the MCL39. The title battle is intensifying, and many in the paddock believe the “real” start to the season could come in Barcelona, where regulatory changes might shake up the grid.
