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.
