Overview

• The FIA introduced stricter front-wing load tests at the Spanish Grand Prix to address team complaints about excessive flexing
• McLaren secured a front-row lockout in qualifying with Oscar Piastri on pole and Lando Norris alongside
• Lewis Hamilton reported balance issues under the new rules and qualified fifth, roughly half a second behind Piastri
• Hamilton described the directive as “just wasted everyone’s money,” saying wings still bend and the cars became harder to drive
• Teams invested in redesigned wings for the updated tests but achieved only a roughly 50% reduction in flex without reshuffling the competitive hierarchy