Red Bull Files Complaint Against McLaren and Ferrari Over Alleged Flexi-Wing Vi….read more 

Formula 1’s ongoing battle over flexible wings has taken another dramatic turn, with Red Bull reportedly lodging an official complaint against rivals McLaren and Ferrari. According to a report from FUnoAnalisiTechnica, Red Bull has submitted a formal and accusatory document to the FIA, pushing the governing body to take further action on the matter.

This development could trigger visits from the FIA to McLaren and Ferrari in an attempt to evaluate whether their cars comply with the regulations concerning wing flexing.

The Flexi-Wing Controversy Returns

The topic of flexible wings has been a hot-button issue in Formula 1 for several years, with teams constantly pushing the boundaries of aerodynamics while staying within the regulations. Last season, McLaren and Mercedes faced scrutiny after Ferrari and Red Bull raised concerns about possible rule-bending regarding their rear wings.

McLaren, in particular, found themselves at the center of attention when their rear wing innovation was observed during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On Oscar Piastri’s MCL38, the upper and lower elements of the rear wing were seen parting on the straights, leading to speculation that McLaren had found a way to reduce drag in a manner similar to the DRS system. Dubbed a “mini-DRS,” this design drew complaints from rivals, prompting McLaren to proactively alter their rear wing to avoid further controversy.

Despite these concerns, the FIA launched an investigation last season using onboard cameras to monitor wing flexing. However, the governing body did not find any evidence of rule breaches at that time.

FIA Tightens Testing Ahead of 2025 Season

In response to continued concerns about flexible wings, the FIA has taken proactive measures ahead of the 2025 season. New and more stringent testing procedures will be in place from the opening race, with additional focus on rear wing deflection. Onboard cameras, previously used to monitor front wings, will now be repurposed to keep a closer watch on rear wings.

Furthermore, as of Round 9 in Barcelona, similar deflection tests will be introduced for front wings. This step aims to eliminate any potential loopholes that teams might exploit to gain an aerodynamic advantage.

However, it seems these enhanced regulations have not been enough to calm Red Bull’s concerns. The latest report suggests that Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache, has raised the issue once again, voicing complaints to the FIA stewards during pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Red Bull Takes the Fight to the FIA

Red Bull has been at the forefront of aerodynamic innovations in recent years, often finding themselves both the accuser and the accused in Formula 1’s relentless technical battles. This time, they have taken a more direct approach by filing what has been described as an “official and accusatory file” against McLaren and Ferrari.

This move puts additional pressure on the FIA to take action and investigate whether McLaren and Ferrari have indeed found a way to exploit flexibility in their wing designs to gain an advantage. If the FIA finds any irregularities, it could lead to further regulatory changes or even penalties for the teams involved.

What This Means for the 2025 Season

The ongoing flexi-wing debate underscores the never-ending arms race in Formula 1, where teams continuously search for the slightest edge over their rivals. With the FIA already implementing stricter testing and monitoring procedures, Red Bull’s formal complaint could prompt further scrutiny on McLaren and Ferrari as the season progresses.

If the FIA does conduct visits to these teams and finds any non-compliance, it could lead to forced design modifications, potentially impacting McLaren and Ferrari’s performance. However, if the governing body once again finds no violations, it could also raise questions about Red Bull’s motivations behind the complaint.

With the season just about to begin, this latest controversy ensures that the battle off the track will be just as intense as the one on it.