McLaren support new aero rules despite potential 2021 penalty

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have backed the upcoming sliding aerodynamic rules despite the fact the team could potentially be penalised for a strong season in 2021.

The new development restrictions will limit wind tunnel testing time on a scale determined by each team's finishing position in this season's constructors' standings.

Despite McLaren being hot on the heels of Racing Point for third and with the potential of harming their development capabilities for next season with a strong result, Norris supports the initiative.

"Two or three years ago, this is what McLaren would have wanted," he said. "It is good to show we are in a position that maybe it doesn't suit us as much as others.

"I don't think it will change too much. For now, we are focused on trying to maintain the constructors' position we are in but it is like the drivers' championship. We can have a tough result and very quickly it can swing the opposite way.

"We are doing everything we can to maintain our position and score the most points between both drivers. It is good for the sport, for Formula 1. It is what we all want.

"Okay, maybe if we finish P3, it would be a negative compared to the people behind but it is still a positive compared to the people ahead. It is the best thing for the sport which is the best thing for everyone."

Sainz, who will likely benefit next season following his move to Ferrari at the end of the year as the Scuderia is languishing in sixth in the constructors' championship, echoed Norris' comments.

"I do fully support any regulations that try to converge the grid and try to bring the teams closer together," said Sainz.

"I think it is the right direction for Formula 1. Whether it happens with this year's results in the penalties in the wind tunnel for Formula 1, I think it is the right direction.

"The more of that the better because the races will be more fun and the driver will count more and the machinery not so much."

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