Lando Norris Takes Command as Focus Shifts to New F1 Rules

Lando Norris picked up where he left off at last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix, setting the fastest lap in the opening practice for the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya. Driving for McLaren, Norris posted a time of 1:13.718s on soft tires under clear skies and high track temperatures, finishing 0.367 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull.

Lewis Hamilton, now driving for Ferrari, was just behind, with the top thirteen cars separated by only 1.1 seconds during a tight session. This race weekend marks the introduction of a new technical regulation from the FIA, targeting flexible front wings.

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The change comes after months of disputes among teams, who claimed that rivals gained unfair advantages with bending wings. The new rule brings tougher tests for the front wings, aiming to ensure uniformity and reduce any possible loopholes. More details on the FIA’s flexible wing updates have been discussed extensively ahead of the race.

McLaren’s name was missing from the FIA’s official list documenting the changes, suggesting confidence in its current car design. Throughout the session, Norris looked comfortable and consistent.

He started with a 1:16.095s on hard tires before improving to a 1:15.259s. Other drivers, including Fernando Alonso and George Russell, briefly traded top spots as strategies shifted to medium and then soft compounds.

Charles Leclerc managed a 1:14.238s on softs, and Verstappen posted a temporary fastest time before Norris dropped below 74 seconds. McLaren’s strong showing comes after questions about their performance gains over the season. Leclerc’s performance for Ferrari at Monaco added to the excitement of the weekend.

Rivals voiced concerns that McLaren and their drivers, Norris and Oscar Piastri, benefitted from flexible wings. While the team denied these claims, the FIA’s new regulation now puts the spotlight on the teams’ interpretations.

Insiders suggest the changes could narrow the field and enforce more fairness. Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team principal, described the update as likely to affect tire wear and overall pace.

Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur echoed this, calling the move a potential game-changer while noting that teams are still adapting. Verstappen, who is chasing a fourth straight Spanish Grand Prix victory, remains cautious about how much the new rules will disrupt the order.

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He mentioned that for Red Bull, the flexible wing designs never delivered huge advantages, and expects most teams can adjust quickly. Verstappen’s performance at street circuits like Monaco was modest, but he is aiming for better results on Barcelona’s fast, sweeping corners, which traditionally suit his car more.

Barcelona remains a key test in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Norris’s recent form and McLaren’s apparent ease with the new rules set an early narrative.

With practice times close and teams still fine-tuning their setups under new constraints, the competition looks especially close this weekend. Racing continues as teams analyze data and adjust to the latest regulations, with qualifying and the Grand Prix to follow.

Eyes are on Norris and the rest of the field as they race for advantage under the new guidelines, with everyone keen to see if the order will shift in the coming days. Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari and the emerging dynamics within the team are also key storylines this season.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.