Hamilton Slams F1 ⁢Front Wing ⁤Rule Change as “Waste of Money”

Updated May⁢ 31, 2025

BARCELONA, ⁣Spain—Lewis Hamilton has ​criticized Formula 1’s recent clampdown on⁣ bending front wings, labeling the effort a ​”waste of ​money” after McLaren’s strong performance in Spanish Grand Prix ‌qualifying. The rule change, intended to⁣ reduce the flexing ⁤of front wings,⁢ seemingly failed to impact McLaren’s advantage.

The ⁤FIA, Formula ‍1’s governing body, issued a new technical directive regarding the amount of allowable flex in the front wings. Teams, including McLaren, developed new wings⁣ to comply with the updated regulations for the Barcelona race.Though, the expected shift in the competitive landscape did not materialize.

Oscar Piastri and​ Lando Norris⁣ of mclaren secured the⁢ front row in qualifying, demonstrating⁢ the team’s continued dominance. This Formula‌ 1 performance raised questions about the effectiveness of the new regulations.

“What a waste of money,” hamilton said after ​qualifying. ⁣”It’s just ⁢wasted everyone’s ⁣money.” He elaborated that the ⁢changes were minimal, with wings ‌still bending, and ⁤that teams⁤ incurred⁢ additional expenses to develop the⁢ new ​wings. Hamilton suggested the funds would ⁤have been better‍ allocated to charity.

Hamilton, a ‌seven-time world champion, had anticipated the limited impact of ⁢the rule change. He qualified⁢ fifth, approximately half a second behind Piastri’s pole⁤ position time. This ⁣ Grand ⁣Prix result underscores the challenge facing othre teams in closing ‍the gap with McLaren.

A Ferrari driver‍ acknowledged McLaren’s current advantage,stating that the team has done an “amazing job.” He admitted that while the gap is not insurmountable, significant growth work ⁣would be required to match McLaren’s performance.

Hamilton’s⁤ qualifying performance marked only the second ⁣time ‍this season ​he outpaced his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, who will start ⁤seventh.

What’s ​next

The spanish Grand Prix ‌race will test‌ whether‍ McLaren can convert their qualifying performance into a race victory, and​ whether other teams can close ‌the gap.