P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren’s rivals didn’t get the instant game-changer they hoped for from the flexi-wing crackdown, but look out for longer-term impacts
The flexi wing clampdown at the Spanish Grand Prix did not lead to a significant shift in the competitive order, as McLaren maintained their dominance with a 1-2 finish. Mercedes technical director James Allison noted that the impact of the new regulations was not immediately apparent to outsiders.
However, as teams adapt to the changes, there may be more noticeable effects on car performance, especially at circuits with diverse cornering demands.
McLaren’s Andrea Stella acknowledged that the stiffer front wings have altered the cars’ behavior, with potential trade-offs in high-speed and low-speed handling.
While the impact may be subtle for well-balanced cars like McLaren, the new regulations have prompted adjustments in car setups to maintain competitive performance.
Teams like Red Bull have already begun fine-tuning their setups to mitigate the impact of the clampdown, suggesting that the effects may be less dramatic than initially expected.
