How FIA Flexi-Wing Clampdown Could Boost Red Bull and Ferrari

The FIA’s new front wing flexibility limits (front wing flexibility regulations) have become a main talking point at the Spanish Grand Prix. After announcing the updated regulations in January, the FIA paired the front wing changes with rear wing tests that have applied since the Melbourne race.

The vertical load requirements for these parts remain the same: 1000 Newtons for the main front wing and 60 Newtons for the trailing edge of the upper flap. However, the rule now tightens the allowed bending. Instead of a 15mm flex, only a 10mm deflection is permitted when force is applied symmetrically 80cm from the centerline, and the trailing edge sees a reduction from 5mm down to 3mm when measured at any point along the upper flap.

The reaction within the F1 paddock remains divided. Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has gone so far as to call the change a potential “game-changer.” Andrea Stella from McLaren feels the on-track impact will be small.

Their difference in opinion shows the uncertainty teams have about who the rule will favor. Ferrari struggled with flexible front wings after introducing their latest version at the Singapore Grand Prix last year and only truly racing it at the United States event.

McLaren, on the other hand, became the standout performer in exploiting flexi-wing designs until now. The new clampdown does not mean McLaren will automatically lose ground or that other teams are guaranteed a leap forward.

Success depends on how each team can manage airflow with less wing movement. Wing flexibility not only affects drag and top speed but also reshapes the car’s aerodynamic balance.

A stiffer wing means the flaps retain higher angles in fast corners, pushing more downforce to the front and making the rear less stable. Cars with stable rear axles, like those from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and McLaren Racing, might see gains if their drivers, such as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, handle a livelier rear well.

While some expect a clear shuffle in the performance order, most insiders think the field will remain closely matched. Factors like driver style and chassis setup play a bigger role now, possibly making the effect of the rule small on race pace.

The change forces aerodynamicists to work within tighter parameters to maintain previous gains in speed and handling. As teams gather data from Barcelona, engineers and drivers will focus on adapting.

The latest clampdown could bring Red Bull and Ferrari closer to McLaren and Mercedes, especially if they manage to master front wing stiffness without sacrificing total downforce. During the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, all eyes will watch for any shift in the pecking order as everyone adjusts to the new flexi-wing reality.