The ongoing flexi-wings saga in the world of Formula 1 is set to take another turn. According to Italian media outlet FUnoAnalisiTechnica, McLaren and Ferrari are due for a visit from the FIA following an official complaint lodged by Red Bull. This move by Red Bull signifies a new chapter in the ongoing flexi-wings narrative that has been a major talking point in recent Formula 1 seasons.
Last year, the FIA had to deal with similar accusations involving McLaren and Mercedes, sparked by Red Bull and Ferrari. The controversy centered around McLaren’s rear-wing design. The so-called ‘mini-DRS’ innovation seemed to cause a disturbance, with the upper and lower elements visibly separating during the Baku straight on Oscar Piastri’s victorious MCL38.
In response to the scrutiny, the FIA introduced measures to keep tabs on wing-flexing, including the use of cameras. However, despite the monitoring, no instances of rule violations were identified. Fast forward to the current season, the FIA is taking proactive steps. Stringent testing on rear wing deflection is expected from the get-go, with cameras once again employed, this time focusing more on rear wings. Additionally, from Round 9 in Barcelona, similar tests will be enforced on the front wings.
However, these measures have failed to quell the concerns of Red Bull’s technical director, Pierre Wache. During the Bahrain testing, Wache voiced his anxieties about the flexi-wing situation to the FIA stewards. Unsatisfied with the response, Red Bull has now allegedly prepared an ‘official and accusatory file’, prompting the FIA to plan checks at the Ferrari and McLaren headquarters in Maranello and Woking respectively.
Red Bull’s vigilance towards its rivals’ alleged irregularities is evident, yet the FIA has yet to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Red Bull is focusing on its new creation, the RB21. In a recent interview with PlanetF1.com’s Thomas Maher, Wache discussed their efforts to improve the working window for their F1 2025 challenger.
After a rough patch with the RB20, which saw Red Bull going 10 races without a win despite Max Verstappen securing his fourth consecutive World Championship, Red Bull is determined to bounce back. Wache revealed that they have reevaluated the car’s concepts and made significant modifications to aspects, such as cooling, suspension, and aero package, in a bid to achieve desired characteristics.
One of the main challenges with the previous model was its ‘peaky’ nature, which made it difficult for the driver to extract its full potential, especially at slow corners. Wache affirmed that they have attempted to address this issue with the RB21 by reducing the car’s overall potential but making it easier for the driver to handle.
This year, Red Bull aims to provide a more driver-friendly car, offering a wider range of setups to explore. Wache confirmed that the RB21 is approximately three to four tenths per lap faster than the RB20, which concluded its run in Abu Dhabi. As the Formula 1 2025 campaign unfolds, all eyes will be on Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren, as the flexi-wings saga continues to intrigue fans and experts alike.
