McLaren F1 Controversy: Flexi-Wing Debate Reignites as Jos Verstappen Calls Out ‘Monster’ Design
The Formula 1 world is once again ablaze with controversy as Jos Verstappen, father of reigning champion Max Verstappen, stirred the pot by sharing a social media post likening McLaren’s rear wing to a ‘monster’ due to its alleged flexi-wing design. Flexi-wings have been a hot topic in the sport, with teams raising concerns about their use for gaining an unfair advantage on the track.
Last season saw a heated debate over the legality of flexi-wings, leading to the FIA issuing new guidelines for 2025 to regulate their use more strictly. These flexible wings allow teams to maintain high downforce in corners while not compromising straight-line speed, potentially giving them an edge over competitors.
The recent social media post reshared by Jos Verstappen hinted at McLaren pushing the boundaries of the rules, sparking fresh scrutiny over the team’s aerodynamic setup. With McLaren currently leading the constructors’ standings thanks to impressive performances by drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, questions loom over their design choices and potential rule violations.
Upcoming changes in regulations are set to shake up the competition, with new rules on front wings scheduled to be implemented at the Spanish Grand Prix in June. The mid-season enforcement of these rules has raised eyebrows, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner and team director Helmut Marko expressing disbelief at the timing of the adjustments.
Despite the impending need for McLaren to tweak their car design to comply with the new regulations, team principal Andrea Stella remains unfazed, asserting that the modifications will not disrupt their pursuit of success. Stella reassured fans that McLaren is prepared to adapt and continue their strong performance throughout the season.
As the flexi-wing saga unfolds and tensions rise in the F1 paddock, all eyes will be on McLaren to see how they navigate the evolving regulations while maintaining their competitive edge on the track.