If the FIA had its way, flexible front and rear wings, better known as flexi-wings, would have remained in 2024. The organization had previously announced that regulations were being tightened to ban flexible components. Yet, flexi-wings are back in the conversation after the winter test in Bahrain. Red Bull accuses McLaren and Carlos Sainz Jr of using such tricks.
In early February, the FIA declared that the alleged flexi-wings would be definitively banned. The new regulations already impose stricter requirements on the mobility of the rear wing. During the race weekend in Spain – from May 30 to June 1 – additional tests will be conducted to also limit the flexibility of the front wing. This gives teams ample time to make adjustments.
‘Ferrari and McLaren Still Use It’
Despite the new regulations, certain teams are still reportedly using flexi-wings. Red Bull has already accused rivals McLaren and Ferrari of experimenting with mini-DRS during the test days in Bahrain. Technical Director Pierre Waché is not satisfied. “It’s still happening,” he declared to The Race. “I think Ferrari and McLaren are still working with mini-DRS. It will be a major point of discussion at the start of the season, as it’s quite visible.” An anonymous team boss gave a similar response to the medium: “When we study the videos, we see that some rear wings are quite flexible. That’s something we’re keeping a very close eye on.”
The use of flexi-wings brings a number of advantages. Of course, flexible carbon is extremely light, but it plays an even bigger role aerodynamically. As certain parts bend under aerodynamic pressure, a reduced form of DRS is created. On-board cameras on the McLaren already captured last year how the rear spoiler was pushed open on the fast street circuit of Azerbaijan.
