Lando Norris has claimed that McLaren has started replicating its leading Formula 1 rivals by “pushing the limits” amid the team’s controversial rear wing design trick.
McLaren’s rear wing has been placed under the microscope since coverage emerged in Baku that appeared to show flexing to reduce drag, granting a top-speed edge.
Oscar Piastri managed to utilise the ‘mini DRS’ to overtake and then repel Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc over numerous laps in Azerbaijan last weekend to land the race win.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri denies McLaren F1 rear wing trick the ‘magic bullet’
However, McLaren’s rear wing has proven to be divisive among rival F1 teams and has resulted in the FIA revealing that it will review the data to see whether it is legal.
But McLaren’s MCL38 has been able to adhere to the FIA’s stationary flexing tests, with Norris not concerned that his car might not be compliant with the regulations.
Instead, Norris has commended how McLaren has developed into a place where it is now challenging the extremities of the rules like its main competitors have done.
“I am very happy that we’re doing a very good job, everything has been tested, everything is legal, so we are doing what we can,” Norris told media including Motorsport Week.
“That is what Formula 1 is for, exploring everything within the rules, and we’ve cleared all the tests and the FIA is happy so I am proud what the team is doing.
“They’re pushing the limits and that’s what you’ve got to do if you want to fight at the top and fight against people who are also known for doing such things and exploring every possible area.
“I’m proud of the team for pushing every single area that we can.
“We’ve not been in situations where we could do that in the past, but now we are in that position, so I am happy and it is a good thing to see.”
Norris argues other teams have adopted such tricks
Norris believes that McLaren’s innovations are being singled out due to its competitiveness as he contended that other teams have also adopted similar design tricks.
“There’s so many things, but teams, including us, are finding ways to explore and look at different things other people have not thought of, but as much as you might see us doing it, there’s plenty of other teams doing it that you just don’t see on TV,” he added.
“Maybe they have not led a race so you don’t see it on certain cameras or stuff, but it is not just us.
“It is a big game, a big race out there and from my side, I’m very happy with what McLaren is doing.”
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