Wolff Believes Ferrari Could Gain Most from New F1 Flexi-Wing Rules

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has indicated his belief that Ferrari is likely to benefit most from the upcoming changes to Formula 1 rules regarding flexible wings.

The sport`s governing body, the FIA, announced via a technical directive in January that more rigorous tests for front wing flexibility would be implemented starting from the ninth round of the season in Barcelona.

McLaren, who currently lead the Constructors` Championship by a significant margin, have consistently stated that they do not expect the updated rules to negatively impact their performance. However, Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur has suggested the change could be a `gamechanger` for his squad, and Wolff appeared to concur with this perspective.

Speaking after the Monaco Grand Prix, Wolff remarked: “I think from what we`ve seen, Ferrari has probably been the most conservative when it comes to flexi-wings.”

“We need to wait and see what effect this will have on the competitive hierarchy,” Wolff added. “I`m not certain it will change things significantly, but it`s another point of interest, and I don`t know how it will play out.”

Having previously told Sky Sports F1 before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that he hoped the new rules would be a `gamechanger`, Vasseur reiterated his expectations following a stronger performance from Ferrari in Monaco.

“I believe everyone in the paddock is focusing on Barcelona due to the new front wing regulation,” Vasseur stated.

“We have been working on this for a long time, and it has the potential to be a gamechanger for any team, as we are uncertain of the impact the new regulation will have on each individual competitor.

“We will concentrate on this in Barcelona to fully understand the effects of the new front wing.”

Horner Foresees Impact from Rule Change

These comments from Wolff and Vasseur are the latest hints from rivals of McLaren suggesting that the leading team might experience a performance dip due to the rule change. Red Bull principal Christian Horner has also repeatedly shown interest in the impact of the technical directive.

McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, currently first and second in the drivers` standings respectively, have expressed confidence that these changes will not pose a problem for their team.

The directive reduces the permissible wing deflection from 15mm to 10mm. The delayed implementation was intended to give teams adequate time to meet the new requirements.

The FIA had already tightened rules regarding rear wing flexibility at the second race of the season in China, but that change did not appear to alter the competitive order.

Red Bull`s reigning world champion Max Verstappen remains within 25 points of Piastri, and Horner seems to harbor some hope that the updated rules might work in the Dutchman`s favor.

“Just a week ago in Imola, which is a higher-speed circuit, the car performed very well,” Horner said after Verstappen finished fourth in Monaco. “Now we are returning to some higher-speed tracks, and crucially, there is a regulation change.”

“Perhaps this will have no effect on the running order, but it is a change and it will impact all teams – maybe neutrally – but there will be an impact from it.”

“What we don`t know is how it will affect others… it`s a significant change, so naturally, there will be some effect. Of course, teams have anticipated this, so it may well be neutral, or it might have some effect on degradation. It doesn`t simplify things.”

Vasseur Aims for Ferrari to Continue `Positive` Trajectory

Ferrari was widely expected to be McLaren`s main competitor for the 2025 constructors` title after a strong finish to last season, but they have significantly underperformed during the first eight races.

They have secured only two Grand Prix podiums, both claimed by Charles Leclerc in Saudi Arabia and Monaco, while Lewis Hamilton`s only top-three finishes have come in Sprint events.

Aside from a very disappointing showing in Miami, Ferrari has shown signs of improvement in Jeddah, Imola, and Monaco.

Despite remaining fourth in the constructors` standings, 177 points behind leaders McLaren, they have closed the gap to within five points of second-placed Mercedes.

Following Leclerc`s second-place finish in Monaco, Vasseur commented: “My overall assessment of the season hasn`t changed because of this weekend.”

“I think we didn`t have a particularly strong start to the season. In the first third of the season, we underperformed relative to expectations, that is crystal clear, and we must be honest with ourselves.”

“Even if we had a good race this weekend, it doesn`t entirely change the overall picture. However, I also feel that we have been on a positive trend over the last three or four races, with good race pace in Jeddah and Imola, and a complete strong weekend in Monaco.”

“If we can begin the second part of the season maintaining this progress, that would be good.”