Aksel Kryhlmand
Everyone’s wings still bend, it’s just half the bending, and everyone’s had to make new wings and spend more money to make these. It just doesn’t make sense
As the Formula 1 paddock settled into the heat of Barcelona, the latest technical directive issued by the FIA, targeting front wing flexibility, became the talk of the weekend. But while some teams remained diplomatic, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton did not hold back.
What’s the New Rule About?
In a move to clamp down on so-called “flexi-wings,” the FIA has introduced stricter load tests at the Spanish Grand Prix, the ninth round of the 2025 season.
The goal is to limit the aerodynamic advantages that teams have been gaining through wings that subtly deform under load, enhancing both straight-line speed and cornering grip.
Teams now face tighter deflection limits under vertical stress, and have spent hundreds of thousands developing new wing constructions to comply.
Hamilton: “Could Have Given It All to Charity”
Hamilton, now in his first season with Ferrari, didn’t mince words when asked for his view on the directive.
Just wasted everyone’s money. It’s literally changed nothing,” he told reporters. “Everyone’s wings still bend, it’s just half the bending, and everyone’s had to make new wings and spend more money to make these. It just doesn’t make sense.
The Brit estimated each new front wing cost roughly £100,000, not including R&D costs. “I drove it on the simulator,” he added, “and it’s pretty much exactly the same. A little more oversteer in the high-speed. Could have given it all to charity, you know?”
Why the FIA Acted Now?
The rule change has been months in the making, with the FIA observing wing behavior through camera installations across recent races. While Red Bull reportedly raised concerns over McLaren’s usage of flexi-wings, no official complaint or illegality has been confirmed. Still, the governing body pressed forward, citing the need for a level playing field.
McLaren, whose dominant pace has been under the microscope, debuted a revised front wing at Imola and brushed off concerns about performance impact.
If we hadn’t told Lando [Norris] it was a new wing, he wouldn’t have known,” said McLaren boss Andrea Stella. “Simulations showed an almost zero change in performance.
What Are Flexi-Wings and Why Do They Matter?
Flexi-wings allow cars to change aerodynamic properties depending on speed, bending downward under pressure to reduce drag on straights, then returning to form for cornering grip.
Under the current generation of ground-effect cars, this flexibility also mitigates high-speed oversteer and low-speed understeer.
The FIA’s load test revisions are intended to reduce these gains, but as Hamilton pointed out, and Stella confirmed, the effect may be marginal.
The economics behind the rule changes may have been slightly inefficient,” Stella noted, “but I don’t think this is a major factor.
Has It Changed the Competitive Order?
Not really. After two practice sessions in Barcelona, McLaren locked out the front row, with Oscar Piastri taking pole ahead of teammate Lando Norris. Max Verstappen followed in third for Red Bull, with Hamilton starting fifth.
Still early days,” said Red Bull boss Christian Horner, “but the net effect to us has been rather small.
In fact, Red Bull’s lap-time deficit to McLaren in Spain was their fourth biggest across the nine races so far, suggesting the rule change may not have curbed McLaren’s edge.
The Verdict from the Drivers
While engineers fuss over millimeters and degrees of flex, drivers have their own concerns, namely, managing tyres in the sweltering Barcelona sun and seizing chances into Turn 1, one of the longest runs on the calendar.
It’s a long way down to turn one,” said Hamilton. “We saw the start George [Russell] got last year. I’ll try my best to get a good start. After that, it’s all about tyre management.
Piastri, starting from pole, was wary: “It’s not as simple as taking the lead and cruising. It’s going to be a challenge to manage tyres and time pit stops right.”
Verstappen added a touch of humor: “Let’s make it three-wide for the pictures.”
Much Ado About Nothing?
The FIA’s latest effort to tighten technical regulations has sparked polarizing opinions. While officials argue it preserves fairness, critics like Hamilton suggest it’s a costly adjustment with minimal competitive impact.
As the race unfolds, the real test won’t be in parc fermé but on the track, and whether this rule will shape racing or simply become another bullet point in F1’s never-ending evolution.