FIA take action over F1 controversy as McLaren and Red Bull drama receives fresh twist… read more
The ongoing saga surrounding Formula 1’s flexible wing rules has taken a fresh turn, with the FIA announcing plans to introduce tougher tests in 2025. The move comes after a season of controversy and debate, with teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari questioning the legality of the flexi-wings used by their rivals McLaren and Mercedes.
The flexi-wings, which allow teams to run their cars with more downforce in the corners without sacrificing straight-line speed, were a key factor in McLaren’s constructors’ championship success in 2024. However, the FIA’s decision to monitor cars and determine whether teams were gaining an unfair advantage led to a prolonged period of uncertainty and debate.
Despite finding all 2024 wings to be legal and compliant with their tests, the FIA has now announced plans to introduce tougher tests in 2025. The new tests will be applied in two phases, with the first phase focusing on rear wings from the season opener in Australia on March 14-16. The second phase will introduce tougher tests on front wings, which are planned to be introduced by the Spanish Grand Prix from May 30 to June 1, 2025.
The FIA’s decision to introduce tougher tests is a clear indication of their commitment to ensuring that bodywork flexibility is no longer a point of contention in the 2025 season. By introducing the new tests in a phased approach, the FIA is allowing teams to adapt without the need to discard existing components unnecessarily.
The move is also aimed at further refining the FIA’s ability to monitor and enforce bodywork flexibility regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. This, in turn, is expected to promote fair and exciting racing, which is at the heart of the FIA’s mission to govern and regulate the sport.
The introduction of tougher tests on flexi-wings is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding bodywork flexibility. The controversy surrounding the use of flexi-wings has been a major talking point in the paddock, with teams and drivers divided on the issue.
While some teams have argued that the flexi-wings are a legitimate innovation that allows them to gain a competitive edge, others have claimed that they are a blatant attempt to circumvent the rules. The FIA’s decision to introduce tougher tests is a clear indication that they are taking the concerns of the teams and drivers seriously.
The impact of the new tests on the 2025 season is likely to be significant. With the introduction of tougher tests on rear wings from the season opener in Australia, teams will be under pressure to ensure that their cars comply with the new regulations. The introduction of tougher tests on front wings later in the season will add an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging task of designing and developing a competitive Formula 1 car.
The FIA’s decision to introduce tougher tests on flexi-wings is a clear indication of their commitment to ensuring that the sport is fair and competitive. By introducing the new tests in a phased approach, the FIA is allowing teams to adapt without the need to discard existing components unnecessarily. The move is expected to promote fair and exciting racing, which is at the heart of the FIA’s mission to govern and regulate the sport.
In conclusion, the FIA’s decision to introduce tougher tests on flexi-wings is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding bodywork flexibility. The introduction of tougher tests on rear wings from the season opener in Australia, followed by the introduction of tougher tests on front wings later in the season, is likely to have a significant impact on the 2025 season. The FIA’s commitment to ensuring that the sport is fair and competitive is clear, and the introduction of tougher tests on flexi-wings is a major step in achieving that goal.
