After weeks of tension and controversy, The FIA has officially responded to protests from Red Bull and Ferrari over the alleged irregularity of the McLaren and Mercedes flexible wings, declaring that it will not make any immediate changes to the current technical regulations. The decision comes at a time when the Formula 1 world championship is more competitive than ever, with the leading teams engaged in a tight battle for every point in the standings.
The accusations of Red Bull and Ferrari
The debate over flexible wings erupted after Red Bull and Ferrari raised concerns about the alleged flexibility of the front wings used by some rivals, particularly McLaren. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “We have found anomalies in the flexibility of the wings of some cars, and this could lead to aerodynamic advantages not permitted by the regulations.. It is essential that the FIA intervenes to ensure fair competition.” Frederic Vasseur, for Ferrari, echoed Horner's words, insisting that “any deviation from the rules could alter the balance of the championship”.
The FIA's decision and the reactions
Despite the pressure, the FIA has maintained its position, arguing that there are no sufficient reasons to drastically intervene on the flexible wings during the current season.
In the official press release, the FIA said: “Following a review of the complaints received from Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari regarding the alleged flexibility of the front wings of some competitors, there is not enough evidence to justify a change in the technical regulations. The FIA will continue to carefully monitor all aerodynamic components, ensuring they comply with the regulations in force.”
Nicholas Tombazis, FIA technical director, explained that “the technical checks conducted so far have not revealed any irregularities that would justify a change to the regulations. The current rules will be applied rigorously until the end of the season”. This decision has provoked a mixed reaction in the paddock. McLaren, the main target of the accusations, has defended its position, with team principal Andrea Stella saying: “We have always fully complied with the regulations and will continue to do so. There is no evidence to suggest otherwise, and we welcome the FIA’s decision.” Mercedes also supported regulatory stability, while remaining open to further clarification in the future.
A World Cup more fought than ever
The FIA’s decision comes at a crucial moment in one of the most balanced championships in recent years. With such close competition, every technical detail can have a significant impact on the final results. In a context where the margins of difference between teams are minimal, any possible advantage – such as that which could derive from a more flexible interpretation of the front wing regulations – becomes a battleground. Horner and Vasseur have insisted that the FIA must take stricter measures to ensure that all cars comply with the rules, arguing that “the fairness of the competition must be preserved at all costs”. However, other teams such as Mercedes and McLaren have welcomed the decision to maintain stability in the rules, seeing regulatory continuity as a strong point for the transparency of the current season.
The future of technical rules
The future of the technical rules on flexible wings remains uncertain. The FIA reiterated that technical checks will be more rigorous and that any attempt to circumvent the rules will be severely sanctioned, while not excluding future regulatory reviews to avoid further controversies.. The issue of flexible wings represents another chapter in the political struggle within Formula 1, with teams constantly searching for technical advantages that can make the difference in such a competitive championship. As the protagonists prepare for the next race, it is clear that tensions will continue to grow, in a world championship that promises to be uncertain until the last corner.
