Mercedes driver George Russell sarcastically remarked that the new measures clearly slowed down McLaren significantly, portraying a sense of satisfaction. The focus ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix was overwhelmingly on the issue of aero-elasticity, dominating discussions and media coverage. The tightening of regulations by the FIA to monitor wing flexibility further fueled the debate among top teams, particularly Red Bull, which accused McLaren of exploiting aerodynamic advantages. Despite high expectations, McLaren maintained its pace during the practice sessions, leaving many disappointed by the lack of immediate changes following the implementation of new tests. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen attributed the performance gap to track behavior rather than aero properties, questioning the need for swift changes in regulations. The controversy surrounding aero-elasticity emphasizes the fine line between innovative engineering and rule compliance in Formula 1, sparking ongoing debates and scrutiny within the sport.
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