Formula 1 restricted the use of flexible front wings before the Grand Prix of Spain. They are considered the strength of the previously superior McLaren cars – is that noticeable?
McLaren is again exactly where the racing team had tried in vain for many years: At the top of Formula 1. Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris, six of the eight races have won this season, in the driver’s ranking only world champion Max Verstappen, who won the other two Grand Prix ‘. But the decision -makers obviously want more excitement.
Five millimeters could be decisive in Formula 1
For weeks it has been discussed that the so-called “Flexi-Wings” are an advantage of the dominant team. Before the Grand Prix of Spain, the “Technical Directive 018” makes headlines. The World Association FIA has tightened the rules for the front wings and they come into force for the ninth race of the season. It is about the wings that change under aerodynamic stress – and thus have the most advantageous shape in slow and fast curves.
McLaren gets this particularly good, the other teams followed up in their possibilities. The FIA actually wants to restrict such tricks, but can only carry out valid tests with standing cars: the wings are static and are only allowed to bend in a given frame. This is now reduced from 15 millimeters to ten millimeters. The tightened front wing rule is considered a possible stumbling block for McLaren.
Oscar Piatri: Do not have a miracle cure
It should be noted to the drivers themselves that the headwind does not suit them, but they deal with it pragmatically and supposedly. “We are pretty sure that this is not our miracle cure. We don’t have that at all”said Oscar Piatri before the Barcelona weekend. The biggest thing about the reinforcement is, “How overhyped it is. We know the difference, and in a way, every team has to adapt.”
At least in theory, the change could now benefit the teams who have not benefited from the “Flexi-Wings”-like the Verstappen Rennstall Red Bull. “These wings have never brought us a big performance advantage. I have no idea whether we did something wrong or didn’t get the maximum out”said the world champion, who at least expects a big change according to his public statements. “If you have a good car, you have a good car.”
McLaren boss Brown: “Invised Accusations As a disturbance tactics “
Far from the route, things get much hotter. “This sport is just now. But I think that is going too far now”Zak Brown, the head of the McLaren team at “Planetf1” and expressed the accusation: “I think that some teams use invented accusations as a disturbance tactics.”
The trouble should also stir that the same arguments were already coming when Norris was on and off last season, in spite of a previously practically unexpected lead, in the fight for the World Cup title. There were and are also further accusations, there are currently discussions about supposedly advantageous braking ventilation in the McLaren cars.
Red Bull fights for his position and hopes for Verstappen’s strength
With Brown and Co., the idea is not entirely surprising that the previous Formula 1 leader is fighting for his status in this way. “Teams question other teams, you have to go through. The others did that with us”Red Bull boss Christian Horner justified this procedure in the “Bild”. The racing team meanwhile believes that all teams will now suffer from the change of standard, but hopes that the extra class of Verstappen will be noticeable.
“No one else can cope with a restless car as well as Max”said Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko. McLaren-Boss Brown, on the other hand, makes himself like his driver Piatri “Don’t worry at all”. There is currently a lot of talk about things that will only be shown on Sunday in the race. One possibility that the Formula 1 McLaren takes the wind out of the wings.