McLaren drivers shrug off focus on flexi rear wing

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri said they were proud of McLaren for pushing the limits after video footage triggered debate by showing the car's rear wing flexing at speed during last weekend's Azerbaijan Formula One Grand Prix.

McLaren took the lead in the constructors' championship after Australian Piastri won in Baku and Norris, closest rival to Red Bull's Max Verstappen but 59 points behind, finished fourth with a bonus point for fastest lap.

The team's turnaround since the start of the season, when Red Bull and Verstappen looked in a league of their own, has been remarkable.

The governing FIA has said it is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and could introduce regulatory changes during the season if necessary.

"I'm very happy, they [McLaren] are doing a very good job. Everything's been tested, everything's legal," Norris told reporters ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, round 18 of 24.

"We're doing what we can. That's what Formula One is for, exploring everything within the rules.

"I'm proud, I'm happy with what the team are doing. They're pushing the limits and that's what you've got to do if you want to fight at the top and fight against people who are also known for doing such things and exploring every area possible.

"It's a cool thing to see, in my opinion. There are so many rules, so many things in place, but teams including us are finding ways to explore and look at different things  other people have not thought of. It's a big game, a big race, out there."

Red Bull had led the championship for two and a half years before being toppled by McLaren, who last won the constructors' crown in 1998. Before that Mercedes won eight titles in a row.

Piastri, in his second season in F1 and a double race winner, echoed Norris, who has also won twice this season.

"It's certainly not the magic ticket or magic bullet for why we're competitive. But it's legal. It passes all the tests. I'm pretty happy with it," the 23-year-old told a press conference.

"The first time I knew it (the wing) did that was the same time as everyone else last week. It's not a grey area. It gets tested every week. It's legal. They've got a lot of different tests for the rear wings," he said.

"Obviously in the sport you find every bit of performance you can without breaking the rules. I feel like that's what we're doing. That's what you need to do to become a championship-winning car and championship-winning team."