McLaren demonstrated in Spain that it is unfazed by any concerns over the new technical directives. CEO Zak Brown shines after the dominant one-two finish by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya – and with a wink, he takes a dig at Red Bull. Before the Spanish Grand Prix, some speculated that McLaren would struggle due to the tightened FIA regulations surrounding flexible front wings (TD018). In the paddock, it was suggested that the team from Woking was significantly benefiting from this 'trick,' and that it would become less effective after Spain. However, the opposite proved to be true.
Oscar Piastri secured the pole position by a mile on Saturday and drove to an undisputed victory on Sunday, with teammate Lando Norris in second place. Red Bull tried to challenge McLaren with an aggressive three-stop strategy for Max Verstappen, but the leaders were never really in danger – especially not after Verstappen had to cope with a set of hard tires after a late safety car.
Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen after the qualifying in Barcelona.
Brown: Amazing, those front wings!
On social media, Brown, clearly delighted, made his presence felt. With a subtle reference to the front wing of the MCL39, he wrote: "Fantastic race from Oscar and Lando! A one-two finish doesn't get much better. Top strategy and quick pit stops. Big thanks to everyone back home. I love those front wings!"