McLaren have taken ‘curious’ stance on upcoming F1 rule change that could hurt Lando Norris

McLaren won’t have to contend with many rule changes for the 2025 Formula 1 season. This is good news for the team who, on balance, produced the best car last year.

McLaren won their first title since 1998 as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri brought home the constructors’ crown. They edged out Ferrari by just 14 points.

Zak Brown’s squad are now looking to go back-to-back in the final year of the ground-effect ruleset. They haven’t done this since 1990-91, when Ayrton Senna was racing for the team.

The regulations will then be overhauled for the 2026 season. Given their resources, personnel and structure, McLaren will be confident that they can remain contenders, but there’s inherent uncertainty.

That’s why this year is a vital opportunity. Over the winter, teams have been able to make improvements to their cars without facing any new restrictions.

But there’s no guarantee the rules will remain stagnant for the whole season. FIA directives can have a disruptive effect.

F1 set for stricter front wing tests – McLaren surprisingly in favour

According to a report from AutoRacer, the FIA intends to reduce the legal flexibility of F1’s front wings. They could introduce a technical directive to that effect in May, where there are three races scheduled – Miami (4th), Emilia Romagna (18th) and Monaco (25th).

The sport’s governing body is also deciding whether to introduce stricter rear-wing checks. McLaren had to modify a ‘mini-DRS’ design that caused uproar among their rivals.

The flexible front wing controversy has centred on the Woking outfit, which is why it’s ‘curious’ that they’re supporting the proposed directive. It’s also worth noting that Mercedes and Ferrari have come under scrutiny.

‘Several insiders’ say it can take between three and six months to adapt to a directive of this nature. This would be particularly impactful for the smaller teams, who are already transferring their resources over 2026.

What Helmut Marko said about McLaren’s controversial 2024 front wing

McLaren’s mini-DRS made headlines in the run-up to the Singapore GP in September. After a dialogue with the FIA, they agreed to make changes.

But Red Bull still weren’t satisfied. Helmut Marko demanded an investigation into McLaren’s front wing next.

Flexibility is advantageous for the car’s aerodynamics. It can combat understeer in slow-speed corners, and oversteer in the high-speed.

Red Bull believe McLaren made ‘unfair’ progress last season. While they appear relaxed about the situation for the moment, it could surely affect Lando Norris’ title bid if they have to give up the flexi-wing benefits mid-season.