Every team in Formula 1 wants to have an edge on their rivals and will design car parts to give them an advantage. The latest innovation to achieve so was the flexi wing, which has caused a rift between the teams.
During the 2024 season, McLaren and Mercedes used a flexible front wing, gaining an advantage over their rivals. McLaren also used a flexi rear wing which created a ‘mini DRS’. This caused friction as Red Bull and Ferrari challenged the use of flexible wings. But what are flexi wings and how do they give the teams an advantage?
What are flexi wings and how do they create a ‘mini-DRS’?
Flexi wings bend to create better aerodynamics for the car. They help teams balance the cars better by reducing drag and increasing downforce. During corners, the wings are upright to generate more downforce, while on the straights, they bend backwards to reduce drag, increasing their top speed.
During the 2024 season, McLaren introduced a flexi rear wing which helped create a ‘mini-DRS’, where the rear wing rotated back on the straights opening up the slot gap. This was vital for the Papaya team as it helped reduce drag, a problem that’s plagued McLaren.
McLaren Forced to Make Rear Wing Changes as FIA Gives Rulling After Red Bull Protest
It was brought in during the Belgian Grand Prix, but was noticed in Azerbaijan. After the race in Azerbaijan, McLaren were ordered to change the design. But how are the FIA managing the situation over flexi wings?
How are the FIA managing the flexi wing saga?
The FIA is set to impose stricter checks on wings to test whether they are too flexible. From the beginning of the 2025 season, they will conduct more stringent rear wing deflector tests. Front wings will also undergo stringent deflector tests, but this will happen from the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
This means teams can run front flexi wings for the first eight rounds of the season. During pre-season testing, the Red Bull could be seen running a flexible front wing. The FIA originally decided not to amend the rules but u-turned. They will allow the flexi front wings to run until Spain to avoid teams’ designs and development not being wasted over the winter break.
🚨 | BREAKING: The FIA release a statement following questions about the legality of McLaren’s rear wing during Azerbaijan Grand Prix:
“The FIA is closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars and reserves the right to request teams to make modifications at any… pic.twitter.com/kFQFo8UoHy
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 19, 2024
The reason the FIA are conducting these tests is to ensure that bodywork flexibility doesn’t give some teams an unfair advantage. However, during pre-season testing, there was concern that some teams still had flexible rear wings. Red Bull have accused McLaren and Ferrari of still having a ‘mini-DRS’. This row could continue into the season.
