FIA U-turn: Stricter flexi-wing tests rolled out for 2025 season

The FIA has shifted its policy approach to flexible wings in Formula 1, moving from a more lenient stance to stricter enforcement.

New load tests will be introduced for both front and rear wings throughout the 2025 season, marking a U-turn from the governing body's initial position.

The FIA previously expressed satisfaction with existing tests, citing the difficulty of implementing universally applicable tests given the diverse wing designs across the sport’s teams.

However, after further analysis, the FIA has decided to take decisive action on what was a contentious point among competitors last season.

Expanded Rear Wing Tests and New Front Wing Measures

Starting from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the FIA will enhance static deflection tests on rear wings. Additionally, from the Spanish Grand Prix in June, new front wing tests will be introduced to further regulate flexibility in those components.

A draft update to technical directive TD018 has been circulated to teams, signaling the FIA’s commitment to addressing the issue.

• Read also: Red Bull not immune to more development issues in 2025 - Wache

“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,” the FIA confirmed to 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.”

Balancing Performance and Regulation Compliance

The FIA’s phased approach is designed to prevent unnecessary wastage of components while giving teams time to adjust.

Notably, the delay in implementing the front wing restrictions—reducing the flexing allowance from 15mm to 10mm—is intended to allow teams to transition without having to discard their existing 2024-spec front wings.

Aero-elasticity has been a hot topic throughout the current regulatory cycle, which spans from 2022 to 2025. The challenge of balancing performance between low- and high-speed corners has led teams to exploit flexible wings that change shape under aerodynamic load, broadening their cars’ operating window.

McLaren, in particular, has been widely credited for making the most of this concept with its championship-winning MCL38.

However, its success has drawn scrutiny, with Ferrari among the teams questioning whether the extent of wing flex remains within the intended regulatory boundaries.

On-board camera footage from Oscar Piastri’s car in last September’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix appeared to show the upper element of the MCL38’s rear wing flexing under load to produce a ‘mini DRS’ effect as it was labeled.

Ferrari's Concerns and the FIA’s Response

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur revealed that the Scuderia had initially refrained from developing a flexi-wing due to expectations that the FIA would clamp down on the practice last summer.

But the governing body ultimately decided not to intervene, forcing Ferrari to rush through its own design to Singapore – putting it at a disadvantage.

“We were convinced that [the FIA] would go for the ‘no go’. And it went for the 'go'! So probably we lost one or two months. It's difficult because with the cost cap you have to make your choices,” commented Vasseur, speaking to Motorsport.com.

“It means that if you are convinced that it won't be allowed, and you have to start to develop something, then it's costing you time in the wind tunnel.”

The FIA is now taking action to prevent further controversy on the matter, having already intervened last season by asking teams, including McLaren, to make changes to their rear wings.

The new stringent testing measures are expected to eliminate any ambiguity and ensure that all competitors operate within the same regulatory framework.

By tightening its oversight on wing flexibility, the FIA aims to maintain fairness while reducing disputes over aerodynamic interpretations.

With the new load tests in place, the governing body hopes to create a more transparent and level playing field for all teams in 2025 and beyond.

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