A method of forming a panel having a core of a wood material or wood material/plastic mixture and a top side and an underside is provided. The method includes forming a profile corresponding to one another on at least a first side edge and a second side edge lying opposite one another. The method further includes forming a hook connection with an upper locking section having a hook element and a lower locking section having a hook element which effects the locking in the horizontal direction, and forming at least one spring element movable in the horizontal direction which effects the locking in the vertical direction (V). The at least one spring element is free in the direction of the first side edge lying opposite by an essentially vertical slot. In the method of manufacturing, the panel is moved at a constant speed when the essentially vertical slot is formed.