Having previously insisted that it was satisfied with its means of detecting potentially illegal flexing, the FIA has now tightened up its testing process.

McLaren was forced to modify its wing following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when, after months of speculation, on-board footage of (race winner) Oscar Piastri's car appeared to show the upper element of the rear wing rotate at speed on the straights, giving the appearance of opening up the slot gap, thereby reducing drag and increasing top speed. In the aftermath of the race the phenomenon was referred to as a 'mini-DRS'.

The footage was discussed by the drivers the following week in Singapore, with Charles Leclerc admitting that it was "controversial to say the least" and Sergio Perez insisting that it was a "massive benefit."

"We all saw the videos and pictures of this," said Fred Vasseur, "and it's a bit frustrating when, if you remember the situation in Monza, we had five cars in two hundredths of a second, and you move from P1 or P2 to P5 or P6 for two hundredths of a second.

"In Baku we had ten laps in a row when we arrived side-by-side at Turn 1, so you can imagine that we have a bit of frustration."

In reaction, the FIA said that it was "closely monitoring the flexibility of bodywork on all cars" and reserved the right to request teams to make modifications at any point during the season".

"However, if a team successfully passes all deflection tests and adheres to the regulations and technical directives, they are deemed to be in full compliance, and no further action will be taken," added the sport's governing body, as it revealed that it was reviewing data and any additional evidence that emerged from the Baku event whilst considering any mitigating measures for future implementation.

"This is part of the standard process when scrutineering technical legality, and the FIA retains the authority to introduce regulatory changes during the season if required," it declared.

Though insisting its wing was fully legal, McLaren opted to modify the wing.

Though the FIA insisted it was happy with its testing procedure, weeks before the opening race of the season, it has confirmed that there will be more stringent tests to the front and rear wings.

"Following further analysis carried out by the FIA Single Seater Department after the conclusion of the 2024 season, we are committed to ensure that bodywork flexibility is no longer a point of contention for the 2025 season," an FIA spokesperson told Motorsport.com. "As part of this effort, we will be increasing the scope of rear wing tests from the start of the 2025 season, and additional front wing tests being introduced from the Spanish GP.

"This phased approach allows teams to adapt without the need to discard existing components unnecessarily. These adjustments are aimed at further refining our ability to monitor and enforce bodywork flexibility regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors to promote fair and exciting racing."

The spokesperson denied that the revision was the result of pressure from Red Bull, who had long questioned the legality of the McLaren's wing.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ffracer, 06/02/2025 22:57

"The flexing wings were so apparent on the nose cams that we thought that the FIA flex tests were dialed back to much lower stress loads, not higher... I'd be up for the same multi-plane front wings with more direction regarding the endplates.

I believe that the racing would improve if the leading edges/parameters of the endplates were smooth and rounded, with no protruding edges to minimize tire cutting and more durable. The McLaren shark tooth edges were shameful, sorry.

I apologize for another seguey but , on that note, the complex floors, with all the brittle tunnel fins and edges, desperately need to be addressed as well. The car performance is drastically altered/becomes undrivable when the multi-edged, sculpted edges and/or tunnel fins are broken during any close racing or contact with the slightest of kerbs. Maybe keep the delicate sculpted sides tucked under the side pods and ban or limit the depth of the tunnel fins.
tunnel fins.

"

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2. Posted by Wokingchap, 03/02/2025 16:32

"@Superbird70....your first suggestion would be old technology, but i love the 2nd."

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3. Posted by Spindoctor, 03/02/2025 7:48

"This will potentially cost lots and\or cause some teams serious grief as it might require serious aero mods to accommodate.
A cynic might conclude this is another attempt to 'spice up' the championships."

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4. Posted by Tyrbiter, 02/02/2025 22:41

"@KKK once upon a time many of the cars had Camel on them."

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 02/02/2025 19:30

"Get rid of multi-element wings altogether. Mandate a simple airfoil with no end plates. Easier to police.

Or let them have absolutely no limits on flexing, elements, materials etc. Let the designers, design, and don't bother bringing out the calipers."

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6. Posted by Tyrbiter, 02/02/2025 16:52

"If the wing flexes too far under load in a race that tells you that the test applied in the paddock is inadequate to replicate the real loads applied by the aerodynamics.

Maybe each team should be required to measure or calculate the breaking load for the wings and then the FIA should apply a force that is 90% of that required to break the wing during which it must deflect within the allowed limit."

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7. Posted by Max Noble, 02/02/2025 6:40

"Like everything to do with the FIA recently… increasingly inflexible on all fronts. Suits the mood of the day, sadly.
"

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8. Posted by KKK, 01/02/2025 21:00

"I heard thru the grapevine that Mr Bin Sulayem new test will use a camel sitting non the wing. If it flexes, it will be deemed illegal...."

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FIA U-turns on flexing

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