Noris’s friend Oscar Piaster said Russian views were “very untrue.
“Our car in Melbourne has been very strong, but we are very aware that it was a unique week, not what we expect as a norm, we have a strong car, but still in the hands of others.
Briton Russell, who won third place in Melbourne on Sunday, said McLaren’s main advantage was based on the vehicle’s ability to monitor the tires.
“If you talk about trying to find the amount of laps in Downforce that doesn’t happen in a season and never happened in a season,” Russell said.
“They are doing something better than others. Clearly in everyone is significantly faster when the tires are hot.
“Maclares are somewhat ahead of him. I don’t think I’m stupid in wet but I didn’t have the chance to fight in the first half,” he said.