FIA to implement major mid-season rule changes in the wake of McLaren scandal, “tighter” rules confirmed

Front wing flexibility has been a major topic of discussion in the paddock for the 2024 season.

Flexible front wings were developed to allow teams to better balance the car, and also help reduce understeer at low speeds and oversteer at high speeds. McLaren has been in the spotlight after Red Bull and Ferrari complained about the legality of its front wing.

McLaren was ultimately forced to change its rear wing, but the front wing was ruled legal by the FIA. McLaren took the constructors’ title ahead of Ferrari and Red Bull.

However, as the 2025 season approaches, there will be less scope for rule changes. According to Italian media outlet Autoracer, the FIA ​​has published a draft technical directive outlining more stringent flexible wing testing to be carried out in team garages.

The race report states that while the loads used to test the wings will remain the same, the amount of deflection allowed will be significantly less. The report states: “Article 3.15.4 of the F1 technical regulations stipulates that current load tests must not deform the focal areas of both wings by more than 15mm.” It is clear that some of the latest clarifications stipulate a reduction of this tolerance to 10mm.

A source told the magazine: “It would be surprising if someone were to experiment with flexible wing designs in the same way as before.” »

The original plan was to start repairs to the front wing at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May, but that has now been postponed to the Spanish Grand Prix, scheduled to take place in June. Asked last year whether the flexible wing debate would be a defining moment for 2024, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said: I am a little frustrated by that, because it was a clear performance, and we waited two months for the decision if it is legal or not.

\ “Moreover, you should always keep the cost ceiling in mind. This means that you have to manage your budget effectively, so if you start development and it doesn’t work out, you end up spending €600,000.