F1 Flexi-Wing Clampdown: New Rules Explained Ahead of Spanish GP

New, stricter tests on bodywork flexibility, implemented starting with this weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix, have the potential to alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.

What is the new F1 flexi-wing regulation?

The FIA announced in January that tighter flexibility checks on front wings would be enforced from the ninth race of the season in Spain.

Essentially, while flexible bodywork is prohibited in F1, there`s a permitted level of deflection. This tolerance will be reduced from 15mm to 10mm for the front wing and its flap.

While this difference might seem minor, it`s a significant change in a sport where performance gaps are measured in millimetres.

Why not introduce the tests at the start of the season?

Given that the FIA introduced new rear wing tests immediately after the first race of the season (at the Chinese Grand Prix), one might wonder why the same wasn`t done for front wings.

Designing and manufacturing a new front wing is a more complex and time-consuming process. This is why teams were given four months to prepare for the new tests.

The front wing is a critical part of an F1 car because it`s the first element the airflow interacts with, significantly influencing the car`s initial aerodynamics.

It also integrates with the front impact structure, meaning any redesign requires passing impact tests, adding to the complexity. In contrast, a rear wing is relatively simpler and doesn`t involve impact test complications.

What are the benefits of flexi-wings?

The ability to achieve desired wing flexibility has historically been a performance differentiator in F1. Optimizing this can provide a competitive edge.

Ideally, an F1 car would combine incredible straight-line speed with high downforce for corners. However, physics dictates a trade-off: low drag (for speed) typically means less downforce (for corners).

Due to intense competition, teams constantly push the limits of the regulations, often exploring ambiguous areas to gain performance advantages.

Will McLaren be impacted by the new tests?

No F1 season is complete without a technical debate. Flexible wings were a significant point of contention in 2021, with Red Bull and Mercedes trading accusations.

More recently, McLaren`s rear wing last year sparked discussion; it seemingly opened a small gap at high speed to boost straight-line performance (dubbed `mini DRS`) and closed for corners to maintain downforce.

McLaren was required to modify this rear wing at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, though it didn`t appear to negatively impact their performance afterwards.

Since that time, some teams have seemingly exploited flexible wing designs that offer performance benefits while still passing current FIA tests, keeping their cars within technical legality.

While competitors haven`t openly accused McLaren of exploiting this, speculation within the paddock suggests the Woking team might face challenges maintaining their recent form starting in Spain.

McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella commented on the speculation earlier this month in Imola:

“It`s positive news when our rivals focus on perceived aspects of our car, especially when those aspects aren`t even present. Even if they were using flexible front wings like others, that`s not the primary reason for McLaren`s competitiveness. I hope these stories continue, as it means our competitors are distracted by the wrong issues, which benefits us.”

What have the other top F1 teams officially said?

Team principals from Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari shared their thoughts on the potential impact of the stricter wing tests after the Monaco Grand Prix.

Christian Horner, Red Bull Team Principal

Christian Horner stated: “We were at a higher-speed circuit in Imola just a week ago, and the car performed very well. Now we`re returning to faster tracks, and essentially, there`s a rule change. This might have no effect on the competitive order, but it is a change, and it will impact all teams, perhaps neutrally, but there will be an impact. We don`t know how it will affect others… It`s a significant change, so there will certainly be some effect. Teams have, of course, anticipated this, so the impact might be neutral, or it could affect tyre degradation. It certainly doesn`t simplify things.”

Toto Wolff, Mercedes Team Principal

Toto Wolff commented: “From what we`ve observed, Ferrari was likely the most conservative regarding flexible wings. How this will influence the pecking order remains to be seen. I`m not certain it will cause major shifts, but it adds another layer of intrigue, and the outcome is unknown.”

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari Team Principal

Frederic Vasseur remarked: “I believe Barcelona is marked on everyone`s calendar in the paddock due to the new front wing regulation. We`ve been working on this for a long time, and it could potentially be a game-changer for everyone, as the impact on each team from the new rule is uncertain. We`ll focus on this in Barcelona to get a clearer understanding of the new front wing performance.”

What will we see in Barcelona?

Bernie Collins, from Sky Sports F1, offered her perspective on The F1 Show:

“Teams have had eight races to get ready,” Bernie Collins noted. “They know their front wing deflection numbers for each setup in the FIA garage tests. They know if any are outside the new limit. We don`t have access to that data, so we don`t know if anyone was consistently failing the new test metric.”

“Despite teams speculating on who might be affected, and discussions suggesting McLaren might be impacted (though they say they aren`t concerned), the race weekend will provide the definitive answer.”

“Will a team struggle because they had to introduce a new front wing? We`ll find out Thursday when the updated parts are revealed. Will anyone experience worse tyre degradation or lower straight-line speed? That`s how the effect will be visible. We just don`t know yet, which makes Barcelona more intriguing.”

Spanish Grand Prix Schedule