As the FIA prepares to tighten the noose around the persistent controversy of flexi-wings in Formula 1, the teams have been issued an updated version of the TD034 technical directive. This update calls for the provision of housings for rearward-facing cameras to keep tabs on the car’s rear wing flexibility. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen TD034; it was implemented in last year’s Belgian Grand Prix, with the cameras trained on the front wings. However, this year the focus will be squarely on the rear wings.
As the 2025 F1 season gears up to start next weekend in Australia, the FIA is all set to take a hard stance against teams employing flexi-rear wing tactics. With more rigorous beam wing deflection tests, the FIA is determined to ensure that bodywork flexibility will no longer disrupt the sport. An official statement from the motorsport’s governing body conveyed their commitment to eliminating bodywork flexibility as a bone of contention for the upcoming 2025 season.
In addition to extending the reach of rear wing tests, the FIA will introduce “additional front wing tests” beginning from the ninth round at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, even with the FIA’s stringent measures, it seems the saga is far from over.
Pierre Wache, Red Bull’s technical director, asserted on the final day of the pre-season testing that some teams, notably Ferrari and McLaren, were still playing with flexi tactics. He bluntly stated, “I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still.” Wache wasn’t alone in his accusations. An anonymous team principal shared with The Race that some of the rear wings seen in the videos appeared to be highly flexible, something they are monitoring closely.
It’s been confirmed that FIA’s updated TD034 will now require mandatory cameras and visual markers to be installed for rear wing surveillance. A source confirmed this update to PlanetF1.com, stating, “A TD has gone out asking we provide housings for FIA cameras to view rear wings.”
Last season, flexi-wings were a hot-button issue. The spotlight was initially on the front wing, but McLaren’s rear wing stole the show at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix when Oscar Piastri managed to hold off Charles Leclerc on the straights. F1TV cameras caught the wing deforming at high speeds, reducing drag and enhancing the car’s speed. McLaren amended their low-downforce wing after discussions with the FIA.
The infamous ‘mini-DRS’ trick led to the FIA reducing the slot gap at the rear wing from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm for the F1 2025 season, while the gap is permitted to be only 85mm maximum when DRS is activated. Yet, despite these adjustments, Wache is certain that the rear wing controversy will spill over to the upcoming weekend in Melbourne, stating, “It will be, it is quite visible.”
