Breaking:Lando Norris and Max Verstappen could face big ‘problem’ due to…read more
Lando Norris and Max Verstappen could face big ‘problem’ when…read more
The early stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season have seen an unexpected shake-up in the championship fight. While many anticipated a head-to-head battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, it’s Oscar Piastri who has stolen the spotlight. The young Australian, driving for McLaren, has emerged as the standout performer, securing three victories in the first five races and currently leading the championship standings.
In contrast, Norris has faced challenges adapting to McLaren’s MCL39. He has openly discussed how difficult the car is to drive at the limit, often describing it as “on a knife-edge.” Compounding his struggles, McLaren engineers believe that Norris’s aggressive driving style places additional strain on the tyres compared to his teammate Piastri, further complicating his performances.
However, Norris’s issues might soon deepen with a new rule change coming into effect at the Spanish Grand Prix. According to a report from AMuS (Auto Motor und Sport), both Lando Norris and Max Verstappen could be negatively affected by upcoming regulations introduced by the FIA.
The FIA has recently intensified its focus on controlling the use of flexible front wings. Concerns have been raised by several teams, suggesting that some competitors are stretching the regulations on how much their wings can flex, gaining an aerodynamic advantage in the process. Flexing aerodynamic components can improve performance by reducing drag on straights and increasing downforce in corners — key factors for success.
McLaren, notably, has had previous run-ins with the FIA over this issue. Last season, the team was instructed to stop using a particular rear wing design after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix because it was found to be flexing beyond what was permitted.
For 2025, the FIA has tightened the regulations even further. New load tests have already been implemented to ensure that wings behave within legal limits. So far, no team has officially failed these tougher tests. However, from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, the FIA will enforce even stricter criteria: the amount of permitted flex under load will decrease from 15mm to just 10mm.
This stricter enforcement could have significant consequences for both Verstappen and Norris. AMuS reports that the reduction in allowable flex will make it harder for teams to optimize their car setups for high-speed corners, particularly where rapid changes of direction are needed. Drivers who rely heavily on precise front-end control — like Verstappen and Norris — may find it more challenging to prevent oversteer. The report indicates that managing the car’s balance through fast corners will become more difficult, potentially impacting their competitiveness.
In summary, while Piastri continues to thrive, Norris and Verstappen could face new hurdles as a result of the FIA’s crackdown on flexible wings. As the Spanish Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on how the top teams and drivers adjust to the latest regulatory changes — and whether these tweaks could further shake up the 2025 title fight.
