Flexi-Wings in Formula 1: New tests decided from the Spain GP!

Flexi-Wings in Formula 1: New tests decided from the Spain GP!

in Formula 1 at the beginning of the 2025 season, the topic of the bending wings, also known as Flexi-Wings, is once again in focus. This technology was already shaped in the run-up to violent discussions, especially about the use of the Flexi-Wings by teams such as McLaren and Mercedes. Red Bull had repeatedly protested against the competitors operating in the gray area, as they were able to claim significant advantages at straight lines at high speeds. Although the FIA ​​initially made no changes in the rules and the wings kept up the stress tests, the Formula 1 Commission decided to introduce sharper tests after a meeting in London. From the Grand Prix of Spain, which will take place at the end of May and early June, new, stricter deflection tests for the front wing should apply, while new controls will come into force for the rear wings at the beginning of the season. The exact reasons why the front wing tests are only tightened during the season remain unclear. It is believed that teams should get enough time to adapt their wings to the new requirements in order to avoid an immediate loss of winter developments.

Red Bulls team boss Christian Horner has expressed his support for the new FIA measures, but at the same time questioned the schedule for the implementation of the stricter front wing tests. The schedule provides that the rules only come into force from the ninth race of the season, the Grand Prix of Spain, which is surprising. According to Horner, the staggered introduction could complicate the resource management of the teams and also negatively influence the performance at the beginning of the season. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur raised similar concerns and emphasized the importance of clarity in the regulations to facilitate development and planning.

The technical debate

The discussion about Flexi-Wings had already gained intensity towards the end of last season. While Red Bull and Ferrari expressed concerns about the handling of these technologies, the FIA ​​initially applied for no tightening of the test procedures. Despite this decision, there was a debate about the winter, which indicates that teams that had previously not exhausted the flexibility of their wings plan developments in this direction. The new test procedures should reduce the scope for flexibility, but not increase the stress. A wing may bend a maximum of 15 millimeters by 2025, but this value should be reduced to 10 millimeters.

In addition, the FIA ​​has announced that the revised controls for the rear wings will come into force at the upcoming Grand Prix in Australia. These measures aim to prevent unwanted aerodynamic effects known as 'mini-drs'. Reports by The Race and Authoracer confirm that the FIA ​​is determined to actively counteract the problem of the Flexi-Wings. Even if a complete ban is not possible due to physical forces, the new regulations should create more transparency and justice in competition.