The FIA has revised its stance on Formula 1’s controversial flexi-wings, imposing stricter tests to curb the issue. However, by delaying their introduction until the Spanish Grand Prix, the governing body has ensured that the topic will remain a focal point of discussion throughout the early stages of the 2025 season.
FIA’s changing stance on flexi-wings
Until late in the 2024 season, FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis maintained that the existing static load tests, while not flawless, were adequate to regulate aeroelasticity. This concept has become increasingly critical in managing the balance of modern ground-effect cars, with McLaren leading the way following its major Miami update.
Following complaints from rival teams, the FIA introduced additional cameras and markers at the Belgian Grand Prix to further scrutinise the situation. However, no immediate action was taken, and the FIA initially resisted calls for tighter testing regulations. Ferrari, in particular, expressed frustration, having refrained from developing a flexible front wing anticipating an FIA clampdown—only to see its rivals benefit from the technology for much of the season.
Formula 1’s governing body has now confirmed the introduction of new load tests to ensure flexible front and rear wings no longer dominate discussions in 2025. The FIA announced that enhanced rear wing tests would be enforced from the first race of the season in Australia on 16 March, while additional front wing tests will be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix on 1 June.
A statement from the FIA
“Following further analysis carried out by the FIA single-seater department after the conclusion of the 2024 season, we are committed to ensuring that bodywork flexibility is no longer a point of contention for the 2025 season,” the FIA stated.
The governing body explained that the phased approach was intended to allow teams to adapt without having to discard existing components unnecessarily. “These adjustments are aimed at further refining our ability to monitor and enforce bodywork flexibility regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors to promote fair and exciting racing,” it added.
This move marks something of a U-turn for the FIA, as it had previously indicated that no changes were planned for front-wing tests. However, with aeroelasticity—commonly referred to as ‘flexi-wings’—becoming an increasing concern as teams push regulatory limits, the FIA has now chosen to intervene.
The potential consequences
While the FIA insists that staggering the implementation will give teams adequate time to adapt without discarding existing components, there are concerns that delaying the front-wing clampdown could benefit certain teams disproportionately.
Sources indicate that the stricter tests were initially planned for the start of the season but were postponed following lobbying efforts from teams that had already developed flexible wing solutions. Initially, the FIA considered implementing the changes at Imola before settling on Barcelona.
Despite reports suggesting that Red Bull and other teams were blind sided by the directive, insiders claim that the changes had been discussed for months, giving teams ample time to react. However, unease remains over the staggered approach, particularly among smaller teams who have yet to capitalise on the flexi-wing loophole. These teams argue that the delay effectively cements an advantage for those already exploiting the flexibility rules, rather than levelling the playing field as the FIA intends.
Moreover, with sweeping regulation changes set for 2026, teams are already facing difficult decisions regarding resource allocation. The requirement to redesign front wings by mid-season could be a costly distraction for teams hoping to focus their efforts on the new regulations.
The impact on the 2025 season and title fight
How much these changes will affect the competitive order remains to be seen. One senior team source described the revisions as a “proper” clampdown, insisting that teams such as McLaren, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Alpine will need to make significant adjustments—not just to their front wings but also to their floor designs, which are heavily influenced by front-wing aerodynamics.
McLaren, having made significant strides in 2024, will be under particular scrutiny as it seeks to retain its Constructors’ Championship. How it manages the transition from a flexible wing concept to a more rigid design could define its title defence. The question remains whether teams will run optimised designs for the first eight races before switching to compliant components or adopt the stricter regulations from the outset to ensure long-term stability.
Additionally, the broader implications of the FIA’s decision extend beyond performance. For midfield teams that have yet to fully explore the benefits of flexible front wings, this staggered approach limits their ability to close the gap to front-runners. By the time the new regulations come into force, leading teams may have already adapted, mitigating the impact of the restrictions while maintaining a competitive edge.
Front and rear wings that pass static tests but are subsequently observed to flex at speed have been a recurring source of controversy in Formula 1. McLaren, for example, had to modify the rear wings on its cars following discussions with the FIA at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. While McLaren maintained that its wings complied with FIA regulations, it agreed to make minor adjustments after the governing body expressed concerns.
The FIA previously stated that all teams were compliant with front-wing regulations but acknowledged that the area has long been challenging to regulate due to varying aerodynamic loading patterns. The governing body asserted that it retains the right to introduce new tests whenever irregularities are suspected.
Could the delay cause further controversy?
The FIA’s delay in enforcing the front-wing restrictions has inadvertently kept the debate alive, rather than quelling it. Instead of providing clarity from the outset of the 2025 season, the governing body has left the door open for continued speculation, potential protests, and further lobbying.
One major concern is whether teams will push the boundaries of the regulations even further in the opening races, knowing that their designs will eventually have to be modified. This could lead to a scenario where teams stretch the limits of the existing tests, exploiting every possible advantage before the stricter measures come into effect in Spain.
Moreover, the FIA’s reasoning behind the delay has not convinced everyone. While the governing body argues that it is providing teams with ample preparation time, others see it as an unnecessary concession to those who have already mastered the art of flexing front wings. The concern is that delaying the implementation only serves to legitimise the practice for an extended period, rather than eradicating it swiftly.
The next steps
The FIA’s decision to delay the implementation of its stricter flexi-wing tests may have been made with good intentions, but it could ultimately prolong the controversy rather than resolve it. As teams weigh up short-term performance gains against long-term development priorities, the 2025 season could see yet another political battle unfold alongside the on-track action.
With McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari all vying for supremacy, the delayed crackdown may shift the competitive balance, but whether it will truly level the playing field remains to be seen. What is certain is that discussions about flexible aerodynamics will persist well into the season, ensuring that the issue remains one of the most debated topics in the F1 paddock.
