The FIA has no plans to intervene in Formula 1’s latest flexi-wing intrigue, despite teams openly admitting they need to push the boundaries to stay competitive.
Mercedes’ recent shift in front wing design, which features increased flexibility to improve balance, has reignited the debate about what teams can and cannot do within the regulations. This has led to speculation that some teams might lodge formal complaints against rivals, such as McLaren and Red Bull. Who appear to be exploiting flexible front wings.
However, despite visible wing flexing captured by onboard cameras, the FIA is reportedly satisfied with the current designs and does not plan to investigate further. The existing front wing flexibility tests, which apply loads to the wings in the pits to ensure they do not bend excessively, will remain unchanged.
Ferrari’s performance engineer Jock Clear emphasized the importance of using flexi-wings as a key design aspect. Stating, “There’s no question that you need to do it to be quick… It’s just a development.”
Team boss Toto Wolff of Mercedes noted that pushing the boundaries is essential for progress. “Front wings play a big role today, it’s clear,” he said. “Aero elasticity plays a big role, but so do the floors… I think everybody’s trying to push the boundaries and within the regulations.”
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko dismissed claims that his team had complained to the FIA about Mercedes’ flexi-wing behavior. “We didn’t complain, but we just noticed it… But it went through the scrutineering, so it was okay,” he told Autosport.
Marko also acknowledged that flexi-wing issues are a long-standing aspect of F1. “It has always been a problem and nearly every team is affected by it at some stage,” he explained. “This is a normal game for as long as I have been in Formula 1.”
Despite the ongoing flexi-wing debate, the FIA’s current stance indicates that the controversy is a regular part of the sport’s development and competition dynamics.
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