P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Flexi-wings are back in fashion in F1, but the FIA’s latest clampdown will have exactly the same effect as those that have gone before.
In 2024, McLaren and Mercedes faced scrutiny over a flexi-wing design that raised questions about its performance, particularly after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The FIA began monitoring the flexi-wing debate following the Belgian GP, leading McLaren to modify the part to avoid further protests from rivals. Despite the FIA’s efforts to regulate bodywork flexibility, flexi-wings remain a contentious issue in F1. The governing body plans to step up rear-wing tests at the start of the 2025 season, with additional front-wing tests implemented from the Spanish GP. Flexi-wings have been a recurring topic in F1, with Christian Horner noting in 2010 that compliance with regulations is key. The cycle of flexi-wing controversies in F1 is expected to continue as teams seek competitive advantages through innovative designs.
