FIA Not Ruling Out Even Harsher Flexi-Wing Clampdown

Nikolas Tombazis is not ruling out clamping down even harder against flexible front wings in 2025.

This weekend in Barcelona, much stricter FIA tests will apply in the hope that flexible aerodynamic solutions like the one at field-leading McLaren will be stopped.

“I don’t think much will change,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown insists.

However, the championship-leading team’s three rival top teams disagree.

“This could change everything,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. “No one should underestimate what’s coming to Formula 1.

“This could set the course for this world championship in a new direction.”

Many believe Ferrari could benefit the most, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff explaining: “In my opinion, Ferrari was the most conservative of the top teams when it came to flexible wings.

“I, too, am curious to see what this means in terms of the pecking order.”

Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur commented: “Since the gaps between the teams are very small, these changes can certainly make a difference in terms of the balance of power.”

This week, however, Auto Motor und Sport analyst Michael Schmidt warned that McLaren are already so good at flexible wing technology that the stricter tests may have no effect.

It’s interesting, therefore, that FIA single-seater boss Tombazis is not ruling out an even tougher clampdown later this season.

“Obviously it is fair for the FIA to add more flexibility tests or stiffness tests when it judges that a certain area may be getting exploited a bit too much,” he said.

“But yes, we hope it will be the last time we’ll do anything for this year.”