Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner, has hinted that the team is ready to explore a flexible-wing design similar to that of McLaren and Mercedes if the FIA determines that their front wing concepts are within the rules.
Following the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, both Horner and Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur called on the FIA to clarify the legality of these flexi-wing designs. The front wings on McLaren’s MCL38 and Mercedes’ W15 have raised eyebrows, with many attributing their recent performance improvements to the flexible nature of the wings.
The FIA has been keeping a close eye on flexible wings since the Belgian Grand Prix in July. However, thus far, all cars, including McLaren and Mercedes, have passed the regulatory checks.
During the Azerbaijan GP press conference, Horner emphasized the need for clear regulations, stating, “What’s crucial for any team, as with all these things, is always clarity. Is something acceptable or is it not? If it’s deemed to be acceptable, then obviously that encourages you to pursue similar solutions yourself.”
Horner acknowledged that the FIA has been conducting thorough investigations by using cameras and gathering data from multiple cars. He explained, “The regulator has all the information available. They’ve recently put cameras on many cars, and I guess they’re collecting that data. If it’s deemed acceptable, then it opens up the route for us to explore that ourselves.”
Red Bull Awaits FIA’s Decision on Flexi-Wings
The demand for clarity comes as the FIA continues to examine front wings closely at each race, focusing on the potential advantages that flexi-wings may offer. In a recent statement, the FIA reiterated that they are conducting “numerous checks” on front wings to ensure they comply with F1’s technical regulations.
According to the F1 Technical Regulations, the deflection of any part of the front wing flap’s trailing edge must not exceed 5mm when a 60N point load is applied. This rule is in place to limit how much a wing can flex under aerodynamic pressure, ensuring teams do not gain an unfair advantage by bending the rules.
Since the Belgian GP, additional cameras have been deployed to monitor front wing deflections, and this scrutiny will continue through the Singapore GP. The goal is to capture data on a variety of track types—ranging from low to very high downforce circuits—to create a comprehensive analysis of wing behavior.
The FIA is gathering this information to “quantify differences between the various dynamic patterns observed on track” and to ensure that any potential violations of the rules are identified.
Horner reflected on Red Bull’s past involvement with flexi-wings, noting, “We went through it a little more recently than a decade ago, I think three years ago.” Red Bull has faced its own scrutiny in the past for utilizing a flexible rear wing design that was ultimately deemed to fall within the rules.
The FIA has acknowledged that the flexi-wing debate has been “a challenging area throughout the years” and could remain a hot topic in F1. With data still being gathered, both Red Bull and Ferrari are awaiting the FIA’s final verdict, which could impact the development strategies of multiple teams.
Should the FIA deem McLaren and Mercedes’ designs legal, Red Bull could quickly follow suit, integrating similar flexi-wing technology to maintain their competitive edge. However, as Horner implied, the team needs clear guidance before making such a move, ensuring they stay on the right side of the regulations.
