In a recent statement, McLaren’s Lando Norris appeared to take a dig at Red Bull Racing while talking about their car, which has been accused of possible illegal changes. This controversy began before the 2024 United States Grand Prix when it was announced that Red Bull will change the design of their car after talking with the FIA concerning their front bib architecture.
The whole problem is connected to rumors that Red Bull has some sophisticated ride height control mechanism which can be adjusted in between qualification and the race without incurring fines. They risk being accused of optimizing the car’s downforce and balance by adjusting the engines and aerodynamic parts in between runs during qualification especially with the car running under low fuel load.
Upon being presented with the allegations, the team has insisted on their interpretation of the rules, explaining that in pursuit of that transparency, they will work with the relevant sport authority. The integrating team has also informed that such information will be kept in a segregated server to ensure that such dirt does not get to the disqualified team’s hands.
While the FIA keeps on saying that all these allegations have been laundered so far and in fact, also there are no infractions even after introducing stricter rules, Norris did not spare his opinion. When at the Circuit of the Americas, he said, “I think it’s good the FIA are doing such a thing [ban]. There is a banal black and white approach and there is F1 where there is leeway in order to be able to design new innovative things within the scope that one is allowed to.”
Norris elaborated that McLaren defends its support of innovations while complying with the law, saying “This is what we at McLaren have done a very good job in, but we’re sure not to go any further than that.”
