Source: REUTERS/Bruna Casas
[Saba Sports News] The TD018 technical directive aimed at front-wing deformation encountered an embarrassing failure during the first practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. Lando Norris drove the unmodified McLaren MCL39 car to the top of the first practice session with a time of 1 minute 13.718 seconds, leaving Red Bull and Ferrari cars, forced to undergo modifications, behind by 0.3 seconds. The rule change, much anticipated by the paddock, became more of a coronation for the McLaren dynasty. During the pre-event inspection at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, all teams had their front wings scrutinized down to millimeter precision. Red Bull and Ferrari teams hurriedly modified their parts overnight to pass the stringent laser scan inspections, with Max Verstappen even arguing with engineer Gianpiero Lambiase over setups in the pit lane. McLaren and Mercedes teams, having adjusted proactively at the Emilia-Romagna race, successfully avoided the technical rule vortex. Surprisingly, McLaren quickly identified a loophole in the new regulations—its front wing carbon fiber laminate structure could deceive laser detection yet still achieve a 12mm downforce drop during turns. Adding insult to injury, Norris’ endurance dominance left his competitors frustrated. When Verstappen returned to the pits due to a transmission warning, Norris maintained a 0.3-second lead over Verstappen’s fastest lap even after running five additional laps on used soft tires.