In a surprising turn of events, Red Bull seems to have emerged victorious following a rule change in Formula 1. The FIA’s swift reaction to nip the revival of mini-DRS tricks in the bud, observed during Formula 1’s pre-season test, has been welcomed by the team, which had previously been the master of flexi wings during the previous rules era.
Red Bull felt the sting of the FIA’s delay in regulating flexi front wings until mid-season, especially as it had lost its advantage in this area to other teams. The team’s technical director, Pierre Wache, was candid about this during a winter interview with The Race. He expressed his concern that the team’s advantage during the ground effect era had been diminished due to rivals exploiting flexi wings. Red Bull had previously been able to balance their car without resorting to aero elasticity tricks, a feat now overshadowed by McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari’s aggressive push in the flexi wing front.
Wache’s comments shed light on Red Bull’s position. The team is clearly of the view that anything that can curb rivals’ gains from flexi wings will be beneficial, particularly as they strive to catch up with a dominant McLaren car. A team source confirmed, “The stiffer the wings get, the better it is for us.”
As Red Bull heads to the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend, the team is optimistic following a stronger-than-expected start in Australia. They are further buoyed by the knowledge that some of their rivals’ tactics have been curtailed. However, the extent of their gains from this sudden rule change is yet to be determined.
Historically, F1 teams have been aware that the technical regulations permit the FIA to intensify bodywork deflection tests if there are suspicions of flexi wing manipulations. The FIA has exercised this right frequently over the years. The current swift change to rear wing load tests for the Chinese Grand Prix, announced with just five days’ notice, reflects the FIA’s serious concern regarding the reemergence of the ‘mini DRS’ issue.
The FIA’s decision to act immediately after Melbourne, reducing the slot gap movement tolerance in its test from 2mm down to 0.75mm for the Chinese GP, and 0.5mm thereafter, will compel teams to either strengthen their wings or abandon designs that exploit the ‘mini DRS’ phenomenon.
While it’s understood that the rule change isn’t targeting a specific team, the impact is likely to be felt by all. The very existence of flexible rear wings implies teams were seeking to gain from it. A well-functioning mini-DRS can reduce drag on the straight, boosting top speed for pure lap time, and allowing more downforce at the rear for better cornering speeds and tyre management. In a season where the difference between cars can be hundredths of a second, even marginal alterations in performance can affect results and potentially shift the outcome of pole positions, victories, and even the championship.
Finally, Wache has been clear about his belief that the FIA has been too lenient with flexi wings. He has argued that the front wing changes coming for Spain should have been implemented at the start of the season, a view shared by his team. While Red Bull didn’t get the flexi front wing issue resolved as early as it desired, it will certainly be gratified that any rear wing manipulations have been shut down at the second race.