Red Bull casts flexi-wing suspicion on McLaren and Ferrari

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Red Bull has raised concerns about the front wings used by McLaren and Ferrari, as the specter of illegal flexi-wings appears to be haunting Formula 1 once again.

According to a report from German publication Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull suspects that its rivals’ wings might be exceeding the permissible level of flexibility, potentially granting an aerodynamic advantage.

The report claims Red Bull even lobbied Aston Martin to protest the legality of these wings, which the Silverstone-based outfit declined to do.

Flexi-wings were in the line of sight of the FIA last season when rumors emerged that Aston Martin's early season success had been related to a clever way of working around the rules relating to flexible wings.

Such a ploy can help a car retain downforce without adding drag or compromising straight line speed.

Read also: Engine manufacturers warn FIA against tweaking 2026 regs

In order to ensure that all competitors to the spirit of the current regulations, the FIA published a Technical Directive ahead of last year’s Singapore Grand Prix in which it reminded teams that: 'All aerodynamic components or bodywork influencing the car's aerodynamic performance must be rigidly secured and immobile.’

This governing body’s directive aimed to establish clear boundaries for bodywork flexibility and prevent teams from exploiting loopholes for aerodynamic gain.

The FIA enforces these regulations through static load tests, where front wings are subjected to a specific load (60 newtons) and their deformation is measured. Wings exceeding a 3-millimeter deflection are deemed illegal.

Earlier this season, Mercedes also caused a stir when it introduced on W15 car a controversial front wing design that passed FIA scrutiny. However, it was later abandoned at the Monaco Grand Prix.

While the exact nature of the "legality trick" employed by Mercedes remains unclear, it emphasizes the ongoing struggle between teams pushing boundaries and the FIA's efforts to maintain a level playing field.

Red Bull's suspicions, whether founded or not, underscore the high stakes in F1, where even minor aerodynamic advantages can translate into significant competitive gains.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.