Lando Norris has subtly taken aim at Red Bull amid escalating tensions over claims of rule-breaking in Formula 1. With Red Bull facing scrutiny at the 2024 United States Grand Prix for allegedly manipulating their car’s ride height, Norris defended McLaren’s approach, hinting that his team operates within the boundaries of what is allowed—unlike others.
The controversy erupted after Red Bull admitted to the FIA that they had an easily adjustable front bib system on their car, prompting allegations that the team was modifying their setup illegally under parc ferme conditions. Such adjustments could offer Red Bull an unfair advantage by altering the car’s ride height between qualifying and the race without risking disqualification.
Christian Horner’s Red Bull team, however, denied any wrongdoing, vowing to work closely with the FIA to prove their compliance and maintain transparency. Despite Red Bull’s efforts to clear their name, the accusations have placed them under the spotlight, especially given that they were quick to accuse McLaren of similar offenses earlier in the season.
McLaren’s Norris didn’t hold back when commenting on the FIA’s intervention, suggesting that his team has always played by the rules, unlike some competitors. “There’s a difference between pushing the boundaries and creating new things within the space you’re allowed to innovate,” Norris remarked, clearly referencing Red Bull’s predicament. “This is what we at McLaren have done well, but we’re sure not to go beyond that.”
Ironically, McLaren itself has faced similar accusations this season. Red Bull previously raised concerns about McLaren’s front wing during the 2024 Italian, Azerbaijan, and Singapore Grands Prix, claiming the team had overstepped technical regulations. McLaren was accused of using an overly flexible front wing in Italy, a violation of the FIA’s load test regulations, though they passed the inspections.
The tension continued in Azerbaijan when Oscar Piastri’s DRS flaps were called into question. The flaps appeared to flex in a way that prevented Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc from overtaking Piastri, leading to further scrutiny of McLaren’s car. While no immediate action was taken, the FIA later strengthened its regulations regarding DRS flexing following the incident.
Despite their own controversies, McLaren seems eager to frame themselves as the team playing by the book, while Red Bull faces the brunt of the current scandal. With both teams now under a microscope, the battle for supremacy continues, not just on the track but in the technical departments, as they push the limits of what’s permissible in Formula 1. The coming races will be crucial in determining who can truly claim the moral high ground in F1’s intense technical war.
