The Spanish GP is due to conclude the second triple-header of the season after F1 arrived in Europe. F1 team bosses have earmarked this race as the FIA is set to bring a new technical directive to control flexi-wings.
Tests were ramped up at the Chinese GP for the rear wings, but the row over front wings continued. However, from round 9 in Spain onwards, front wings are set to undergo stricter tests to control flexing. The question that needs answering now is, how is this going to affect the pecking order?
Will stricter tests of the front wings flexing create a new order at the Spanish GP?
The front wing is key to helping balance the ground-effect cars. The component can become more powerful as it is pulled closer to the ground, creating more downforce. Some teams have been able to exploit flexible bodywork while others have been slow to introduce it onto their cars.
From Spain, the cars will have to comply with stricter tests carried out by the FIA. This is to help create a level playing field and outlaw gains. Teams were told about this directive during the winter, so some have opted to create new designs which flex at a minimum. However, TV footage has shown that some cars are still running on flexi-wings.
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When asked whether the new tests will have an impact, the Red Bull team principal was unsure if the pecking order would be changed. He said: “Maybe that will have zero impact on the running order, but it’s a change, and it will affect all the teams – maybe neutrally, but there will be an impact from it.”
Teams that are exploiting flexi front wings will be impacted than those that have yet to use them to their advantage, but it is hard to tell who will be impacted the most. McLaren is adamant that their car is fast regardless of the stricter tests, and the MCL39 won’t be impacted. Only time will tell, and Barcelona will be the first marker.
How the flexi-wing row started
Flexi-wings have been in F1 since the 1990s and have been a great topic of debate. The row over the use of flexi-wings reared up again at the 2024 Belgium GP, as the FIA introduced new checks on wings.
It wasn’t until the 2024 Azerbaijan GP that the row exploded. Red Bull accused McLaren of having a ‘mini DRS’ in their rear wings, giving them extra straight-line speed. The FIA investigated and found that McLaren should change the design of their rear wing to comply.
The FIA then accordingly, told teams over the winter break that stricter tests would be introduced. Rear wing tests would be held at the beginning of the season, while front wing tests would be in round 9 of the championship. But during the winter, Ferrari and Red Bull accused McLaren of still having a flexible rear wing during pre-season testing.
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At the Australian GP, this was noted by the FIA, who imposed stricter tests on rear wings. The directive in Barcelona should be the final nail in the flexi-wing debate. Front wings are designed to be a little flexible to help reduce drag and create downforce, but not to the extent seen on some cars. This should be the last we hear of flexible wings, at least for a while.
