A major talking point so far in 2025 has been the use of flexi-wings or the “mini DRS”. The FIA is looking to clamp down on using flexible bodywork and has enforced stricter flexi-wing regulations following the Australian GP.
Last year, McLaren came under fire for their flexi-wings resulting in a ‘mini-DRS’ while travelling down the straights of Baku. This helped give McLaren a pace advantage over their rivals. McLaren was asked to resolve the issue for the following race, but the row reared up again in pre-season testing. And now the FIA is fighting back with stricter regulations to stop flexing.
How have the FIA enforced stricter flexi-wing regulations?
During pre-season testing, Red Bull accused McLaren and Ferrari of having a flexible rear wing. The FIA said they will have more stringent tests on the rear wing from the first race of the season in Australia. Despite all teams passing the tests for the curtain raiser, certain unnamed teams still displayed excessive flexibility.
Red Bull Raises Concerns Over McLaren and Ferrari Wings, FIA to Investigate
To clamp down further, the FIA has introduced a new technical directive which will see stricter static load test limits on the rear wings in China. They have also declared that the maximum tolerance for the rear wing slot gap flexing has been cut from 2mm to 0.5mm.
The FIA are being stricter on the flexi-wing saga due to the advantage they give teams. The obvious case was at the Azerbaijan GP last season. Oscar Piastri was able to hold off Charles Leclerc to win in the streets of Baku due to his flexible rear wing.
Williams fall foul of the stricter flexi-wing directives
Williams qualified well for the sprint race in Shanghai, with Alex Albon starting from P9 on the grid. However, both cars could be disqualified from the race. To help the stricter rules regarding flexi-wings, teams have to show video footage of their wings within one hour of the session ending. However, Williams has failed to do so following the practice session in China.
What Are Flexi Wings in F1 and How Do Teams Take Advantage of Them?
This technical directive was issued to all teams before the Australian GP where stewards can check if the wings are too flexible. The footage must be handed to the FIA for checks within the hour so if a wing is too flexible, it can be replaced before the upcoming session. failure to do so could result in severe punishment.
If Williams is found guilty of a technical infringement, there is a chance both their cars could be disqualified from the sprint race. The FIA is clamping down on teams breaking the rules, as seen when George Russell was disqualified from the Belgium GP. With the FIA being strict on the flexi-wing issue, they might want to make a statement. The hearing with Williams will take place Saturday morning before the sprint race.
