Rule change in Formula 1: Does McLaren crash the wings in Barcelona?

Rule change in Formula 1: Does McLaren crash the wings in Barcelona?

Today, Formula 1 is characterized by an important change of rule that comes into force from the Grand Prix of Spain. This adaptation concerns the permissible deformation of front wings and could have a decisive influence on the competitive conditions of the current season. Kleinezeitung.at reports that the maximum deformation value for the flaps on the front wing is reduced from 15 millimeters to 10 millimeters. This measure aims to regulate the performance of some teams, especially those of McLaren who have dominated this season.

McLaren drivers Oscar Piatri and Lando Norris have won six of the eight races so far. In contrast, world champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull only won two races. The introduction of the new rule is already causing heated debates among the teams. Red Bull boss Christian Horner sees a potential turning point in the World Cup. He is convinced that you could increase the opportunity for his team to undermine the dominance of McLaren.

reactions from the team scene

The motorsport consultant of Red Bull, Helmut Marko, on the other hand, expresses skepticism whether the change of rule will actually make a significant difference. Marko emphasizes that the RB21 is a potential victory car and that the route in Spain should be better. Nevertheless, he also sees opportunities for improving their position in the championship, especially since McLaren has only a narrow lead at the top.

ZAK Brown, CEO of McLaren, sees the changes to the rules as a waste of time for the competition and as a tactic to put more pressure on his teammates. Piatri himself is optimistic and believes that the change of rule will not have a dramatic effect on the performance of the team. Verstappen also emphasizes that the flexible wings for Red Bull had not brought any significant performance advantage, which further fueled the discussion about the change of control.

technical backgrounds and further developments

The new regulations come from the “Technical Directive 018” of the FIA, which aims to regulate the use of flexible front wings. [Sportschau.de] (https://www.sportschau.de/motorsport/Formel1/schlich-mit-flexi-wings-end-die-mclaren-dominance, GP-Spanien-Flexi-Wing-Mc-Laren-100.html) a few days ago about these upcoming changes that have been specially made this season on flexible wings set, could disadvantage. The change of standard means an essential changeover for the teams that have to adapt their vehicle technology in order to continue to remain competitive.

The discussion about technical developments also shows the dynamics that prevails in today's motorsport. Every team, including McLaren, has carried out various updates this season to further optimize their cars. This includes changes such as the changed front wing shape and a revised underbody that has proven to be decisive for the team's success so far. Motorsport.com emphasizes that technical updates are often permanently and the teams are continuously looking for ways to improve their vehicles.

The upcoming races will show how the rules of the rules will affect the performance of the teams and whether McLaren remains at the top or whether Red Bull can make advantages through these adjustments. The tension remains high in Spain until the race.