While the McLaren wing passed the FIA's standard static flexibility checks, Marko pointed out that the regulations also prohibit significant bending during actual racing conditions. "That wing bends in the race," he claimed, "and it gives them an advantage."

Norris and Piastri have combined to win two of the last three F1 races for McLaren, while Verstappen hasn't won since the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23. While the team has said it wants Norris to dethrone Verstappen, Brown knows it is a longshot unless Norris can start sledgehammering-away large chunks of Verstappen's lead every race.

Max Verstappen snubbed Formula One's governing body at a Singapore Grand Prix press conference on Saturday as Lewis Hamilton suggested the reigning champion should not serve a penalty for swearing. Re