Wolff names team that could gain most from flexi-wing crackdown

As Formula 1 heads to Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has weighed in on the FIA’s upcoming clampdown on flexi-wings – an aerodynamic battleground that has sparked both innovation and controversy over the past months. 

With new, stricter limits set to take effect this weekend, Wolff has suggested Ferrari may emerge as the biggest beneficiary thanks to their more conservative approach to wing design.

The governing body’s updated regulation reduces permissible wing flex from 15mm to just 10mm under load, an attempt to standardize aeroelasticity and shut down borderline interpretations of the rules.

These changes follow months of speculation around various teams – triggered by Oscar Piastri’s surprise win in Baku last year that raised questions over the flexibility of McLaren’s rear wing.

Ferrari’s Conservative Design May Pay Off

Wolff, speaking after a difficult weekend for Mercedes at the Monaco Grand Prix, pointed to Ferrari’s aero approach as a potential advantage in the wake of the new rule implementation.

“I think what we have seen is that Ferrari was probably most conservative on flexi-wings,” Wolff told Sky F1.

While it remains to be seen how the revised tests will impact team performance, Wolff acknowledged that the regulation could shift the competitive landscape.

“What it’s going to do on the pecking order is something we need to look at. I’m not sure it will, but another angle of curiosity and I don’t know how it’s going to go.”

The implication is clear: if teams that have pushed the limits of flexibility are forced to dial back performance, Ferrari’s already compliant design philosophy could become a relative strength.

Mercedes Eyes Reset in Barcelona

For Mercedes, the Spanish Grand Prix represents not just a regulatory inflection point but also a chance to reset after a tough run of form.

The team struggled for race pace at Imola, was unlucky with race interruptions, and failed to score a single point in Monaco. Technical issues and a crash in qualifying left George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli outside the top 10.

In his preview for the Barcelona weekend, Wolff struck a tone of cautious optimism.

“We will be looking to get back on track in Barcelona this weekend,” he said.

“It is a circuit that provides a good test of a car, with a mixture of low, medium, and high-speed corners.

“That will be useful for assessing our recent updates and our position relative to our competitors as we move into the second third of the season.”

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Wolff also acknowledged the added intrigue brought by the updated front wing directive.

“With 16 races left, there is a long way to go. The team is still pushing to find performance and this weekend’s updated front wing technical directive will provide another level of intrigue.

“We are focused on ourselves though and looking forward to having the opportunity to do a better job than we have done at the last two races.”

As Formula 1 heads into a pivotal stretch of the season, the fallout from the FIA’s new aerodynamic controls could offer a clearer picture of who has been playing by the rules—and who now has work to do.

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