Just In: Zak Brown Warns ‘Distracted’ Rivals as McLaren Unfazed by Looming FIA W…read more
Just In: Zak Brown WARNS ‘Distracted’ Rivals as McLaren Unfazed by Looming FIA W…read more
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has brushed off concerns about Formula 1’s new flexi-wing technical directive, insisting the rule change will have “no impact” on the team while claiming that rival outfits are becoming increasingly distracted by McLaren’s strong form.
The FIA is set to implement updated testing regulations—known as TD018—to further restrict flexible wing designs. While the revised rear wing tests began at the start of the season, front wing tests are scheduled to come into effect at the Spanish Grand Prix, the third leg of the upcoming triple-header.
McLaren’s design came under scrutiny earlier this year after onboard footage from Oscar Piastri’s car in Baku appeared to show the rear wing subtly shifting to reduce drag on straights. Though the team made changes following discussions with the FIA, suspicions from competitors persisted, prompting the new directive.
However, Brown remains confident: “It makes no difference to us,” he told *De Telegraaf*. “We’re not at all concerned about the rule change. There have been many claims about our car recently, and none of them have been correct.”
He added that the ongoing attention on McLaren may ultimately play in their favor. “The more our rivals focus on us instead of improving their own performance, the better for us.”
McLaren currently leads both championships in dominant fashion, with Piastri topping the Drivers’ standings 16 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, and the team holding a 105-point lead over Mercedes in the Constructors’ table.
While Red Bull’s Christian Horner has acknowledged the directive could impact all teams to varying degrees, Brown maintains McLaren’s pace will remain unaffected. Piastri echoed this sentiment, saying, “I’m confident we’ll be strong all season. I don’t think the changes will make much difference.”
Elsewhere, Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull star Max Verstappen, criticized the FIA’s timing, suggesting the delayed introduction of the rules has given certain teams an unfair early advantage.
“Why introduce it so late in the season?” he said. “They’ve already benefited. It should’ve been implemented from race one.”
As the grid heads toward Spain, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to the new regulations—though McLaren, for now, is staying cool under pressure.
