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Horner makes important point with new flexwing rule: 'That's the consequence'
- Ludo van Denderen
From the Spanish Grand Prix onwards, the front wing of a Formula 1 car will be allowed to deflect a maximum of 10 millimetres (it is currently 15 millimetres) under load. A challenge therefore awaits the teams: one specification of front wings may be raced in the first part of the season, and a different one in the second. According to Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing's team boss, there is a negative side effect to the mid-year rule change.
No one at Red Bull Racing seems willing to confirm it, but the Austrian team reportedly complained about McLaren's front wings (too high?) flexible capabilities last season. In principle, Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson's team should no longer have an issue in the second part of 2025, as new and stricter rules will be implemented to curb front wing flexion under load.
Horner is happy that the FIA has decided to change the regulations regarding front wings. "I think it's good that they've addressed it. Obviously, there's been a change and a tidy up to the rear wing. The front wing gets changed at race nine. Why nine? I don't know," said the Briton.
Budget cap is also an obstacle for Red Bull
Horner seems to imply that as far as Red Bull is concerned, the change could have come into effect right at the start of the season: "But it is what it is. It's the same for everyone. It just means that you've got a pre-race nine and a post-race nine set of issues to deal with, which inevitably will drive cost."
The Red Bull chief realises that his team also has to deal with the budget cap and therefore cannot make an investment elsewhere due to the development costs behind the second specification of front wings.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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