FIA Warns Mclaren and Mercedes Amid New Flexi-Wing Directive at Spanish GP
With the FIA’s updated technical directive on flexi-wings (TD018H) now officially enforced at the Spanish Grand Prix, teams across the Formula 1 grid have responded by introducing modifications to their front wings. These changes aim to ensure compliance with the revised 2025 F1 Technical Regulations, which tighten standards around aerodynamic flexibility.
Red Bull and Ferrari were among the first to roll out significant front wing updates. Red Bull modified the first and second elements of its front wing, targeting the flaps and tips to refine stiffness without adding much weight. These tweaks are intended to improve aerodynamic performance while aligning with the new directive. Ferrari, on the other hand, revamped its endplates and outboard tip rolls, along with adjustments to the wing’s chordwise and spanwise load distribution, to optimize performance under the stricter rules.
In contrast, McLaren has not declared any front wing updates, raising concerns as the team appears to be running its previous design without evident changes. Mercedes, though also not declaring new front wing updates for this round, made earlier revisions at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and is believed to already meet the updated requirements. Despite this, the FIA has warned both teams that a failure to fully comply with the directive could result in disqualification if their cars are found to be non-conforming.
Midfield and lower-ranked teams have also made necessary changes. Aston Martin, Haas, Williams, Racing Bulls, and Stake (formerly Alfa Romeo) have all submitted updated front wing designs. Interestingly, Stake described its update as a minor tweak between the mainplane and endplate without directly referencing the flexi-wing rule, though it’s assumed to align with the directive.
Beyond the mandated compliance upgrades, teams have taken advantage of the Spanish Grand Prix as a key point for introducing circuit-specific developments before shifting focus to the 2026 regulation overhaul.
Ferrari debuted a new rear wing tailored for Barcelona’s high-downforce layout, while Mercedes brought a reprofiled rear wing and revised floor fences to enhance aerodynamic flow. Alpine made similar changes to its floor and fences, while Racing Bulls unveiled a redesigned nose and updated front wing-to-endplate connection. Williams introduced updates to its rear brake duct and added an optional cooling louvre panel. Stake also improved its floor and engine cover for localized aerodynamic gains.
Barcelona marks a critical phase in the 2025 development cycle, with teams fine-tuning their packages while preparing for the major changes coming in 2026.
