Flexi-wing controversy: Red Bull takes legal aim at Ferrari, who remains unfazed
Today at 07:10 AM
The FIA is trying to set things right in Formula 1, while Ferrari is under attack from Red Bull. The governing body is undergoing a full restructuring. In fact, for some time now, the International Federation has been aiming to clarify several issues. On one hand, there is the entire discussion regarding behavioral procedures that every single team member must necessarily follow. It is essential to set a good example, as younger spectators following the top category of motorsport must not be negatively influenced. But there are also other interesting updates concerning the formation lap before the race, leading up to the issue of flexing.
The previous set of regulations was considered too vague and difficult to interpret, both for the stewards and the teams. For this reason, the FIA has decided to reformulate it in a clearer and more effective way in view of the the 2025 Formula 1 championship. The modification allows for a more immediate application of the black flag with an orange disc, which until now required the transfer of information from race control to the stewards and then to the teams, causing a loss of time. From now on, however, race director Rui Marques will have the authority to directly order the stoppage of a car in dangerous conditions.
It is unclear whether the communication will be sent directly to the driver or if the race engineer will relay the order. Nonetheless, the regulation states that any car with evident structural damage, posing an immediate safety risk, must stop in a safe location on the track. This change was introduced in response to recent incidents that failed to ensure the proper level of safety. In addition to provisions concerning damaged cars, the FIA has also introduced a change to the start procedures for cars starting from the pit lane.
The previous wording allowed cars to skip the formation laps and exit the pits only when the grid was set. This dynamic enabled drivers to exploit regulatory loopholes to gain advantages, such as in the case of a start behind the Safety Car, where cars could “buy time” and choose tires while the rest of the field was already obliged to run full wets. Not to mention the fuel savings in the event of a double installation lap. From what has been understood, the FIA has attempted to close these gray areas to ensure uniformity.
The ability to design specifications that provide clear advantages exists in Formula 1 and this has always been the case. Teams spend a great deal of time conducting precise studies in order to be able to develop components that can pass the FIA's static tests while exceeding flexibility thresholds on track. The focus is on carbon fiber skins, particularly their composite weave. Another approach, often used in conjunction with this, involves directly modifying the rear wing supports anchored to the car's floor.
In this case, different measures are employed. By working on structural rigidity, it is possible to alter the position of the entire element. This occurs during the squat phase when the rear of the car lowers under maximum load at high speeds. As a result, the wing decreases its angle of attack, reducing drag. Then, when the car slows down, the component returns to its original position and passes the FIA's static checks.
McLaren, but especially Ferrari, have used this technique to gain significant aerodynamic advantages, a strategy already applied last season. This is Red Bull's theory, and during the pre-season testing session at the Bahrain circuit, the Austrian side raised their concerns with the stewards, strongly pointing fingers. However, the "revolt" led by technical director Pierre Waché did not yield the desired results over the three days in Bahrain. For now, the FIA stewards have dismissed Red Bull's complaints.
For this reason, the Austrian team, according to information gathered directly on-site by the Italian media, has prepared an official accusatory dossier. It appears that before the 2025 Formula 1 season begins, FIA delegates will visit the factories in Maranello and Woking for thorough inspections, followed by official checks at the Australian Grand Prix next Thursday. Ferrari, however, remains calm on this front, confident in its ability to refute the accusations without much trouble.
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