Albers Slams Red Bull’s Flex-Wing Complaints

Formula 1 Testing In Bahrain Day 3
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Formula 1 Testing In Bahrain Day 3
BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 on track during day three of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on February 28, 2025 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The FIA will reportedly tighten rear wing flexibility rules in 2025, fitting sensors to Formula 1 cars to enforce compliance from the Australian Grand Prix.

Last season, wings on several cars—including McLaren’s ‘mini-DRS’ rear design—passed static tests but flexed dramatically on track, sparking debate.

Stricter static load tests kick in for rear wings in Melbourne, while front wing limits tighten at the Spanish Grand Prix in June. Bahrain testing showed McLaren and Aston Martin still pushing front wing flex boundaries.

Red Bull’s Christian Horner wants both changes immediate, not staggered, citing a costly split season. Ex-F1 driver Christijan Albers isn’t buying the gripes. “At the moment, it’s allowed,” he told De Telegraaf. “So if the wing can pass the test, it complies with the regulations. Red Bull started the story, with a small number of teams, and now they’ve kind of gotten rid of the wings and they’re whining. What’s that about? Red Bull must go in this direction as well – it’s quite simple. They need to do what their rivals are doing, otherwise you’re just shooting yourself in the foot. In Formula 1, everyone works at the very edge of what is acceptable.”

The flex-wing saga heats up as 2025 looms.

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