Lando Norris says he’s “proud” of his McLaren Formula 1 team for pushing the limits by creating a rear wing that produces straightline speed benefits and which has been passed legal by the FIA.
Flexible wings have been a talking point in recent weeks, and onboard TV footage from Baku showed the rear wing flap of the McLaren MCL38 dip down on the straight.
However the car has passed all the FIA deflection tests, and has been declared legal, in effect indicating that McLaren has done a better job than rivals of exploiting the rules.
“I’m very happy, they’re doing a very good job,” Norris said of his team. “Everything’s been tested, everything’s legal, so we’re doing what we can.
“That’s what F1 is for, is exploring everything within the rules. We cleared all the tests and everything, and the FIA are happy.
“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 suggested that the team hadn’t previously been in a position to push the limits in such a way.
“I’m more proud of the team for pushing every single area that we can,” he said. “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 rules, 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 insisted that McLaren is not the only team using such technology: “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 are doing.”
However Sergio Perez, whose Red Bull team has been accused in the past of having flexible wings, expressed his doubts.
“I’m pretty surprised,” said the Mexican. “I thought that wasn’t allowed, but it seems like it is allowed. So, yeah, I think I’m as surprised as you are. Definitely a massive benefit.
“I’m sure the team is looking at it, why all of the sudden now it’s allowed. So, yeah, very, very surprised.”
