Exclusive
Change to 'flexiwings': This is what teams think of the new rule
- Ludo van Denderen
In less then a month's time, the 10 Formula 1 teams present their challengers for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the FIA confirmed stricter regulations regarding front wing flexibility. GPblog spoke to several F1 team insiders, who preferred to remain anonymous, about the technical directive and their impact on the course of the season. Opinions differ on the matter.
Currently, technical regulations state that front wings cannot bend more than 15 millimetres. From the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, that will be a maximum of 10 millimetres. The method of how they measure the front wings will also be changed, making it harder to play around with the rules.
After news of the directive's adjustment became public, it did not take long for Gary Anderson, the respected and retired designer of Jordan and Stewart, among others, to voice his concerns about the change to The Race. He cited that the decision to make changes was taken very late, and so teams had to make hasty modifications to their cars.
Indeed, he argued that the change to the front wing could change the whole concept of the car. Moreover, Anderson said, "As far as I’m concerned, this is distorting the championship fight before it has even started," pointing out that there are teams who will potentially going to do well the 'old' regulations and other teams may just emerge as frontrunners after eight Grands Prix.
Drastic? Not according to everyone
"Yes. Gary", one of the teams answered to GPblog, indicating that it is all less exciting than Anderson made it seem. Ist that justified or not? Opinions differ on that. For instance, this site hears that there are teams who feel that it was communicated well in advance that an adjustment to the maximum flexibility of the front wings was imminent.
Even before Christmas, the teams were apparently told about the change, and it was then confirmed in writing a few weeks ago. So plenty of time to make the adjustments, that is the thought behind that arguement. Moreover, certain teams feel that this is a minor adjustment, of a reduction of a third of the flexibility. That would require a minor adjustment to the front wing flap and would not involve a radical overhaul at all. Nothing to worry about, then.
Not everyone agrees. For instance, there are also teams who have just no idea about what this modification will change. It is already clear that during the test days in Bahrain, teams will drive with both the front wing that can be used up until the Spanish Grand Prix, as well as with the less flexible front wing concept that is to be used afterwards. Only when the data can be compared will these teams claim to be able to assess the extent to which the modification affects the entire concept of the car.
Focus on '26 makes adjustments difficult
In the paddock, at least, one expectation that is frequently heard is that there are teams that are going to suffer more from the front wing change than others that get it. There is reasonable consensus on the observation that some teams will soon be forced to adjust the design of their car in order to become or remain competitive.
For teams for that will have some work to do, there is an additional handicap. The fact is that meanwhile 2026 is getting closer and closer, when the next radical regulation change will follow. As a result, F1 teams are working more emphatically on that season's car, which means there are fewer staff available to deal with their 2025 challengers. In the unlikely event that something has to be changed in the concept of this year's car, it could come at the expense of next year's efforts.
As a result, interesting times are ahead in Formula 1, so it is by no means guaranteed that the power ranking will not shift during the season. Gary Anderson's fears at this point seem real, according to most teams.
Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!