F1 News
Red Bull points to McLaren and Ferrari trick: 'They're still using it'
In the run-up to the new season, the Formula 1 paddock is once again abuzz with possible variations on the much-discussed 'mini-DRS' used by McLaren last year. During test days in Bahrain, onboard images surfaced that raised question marks at Red Bull Racing and other teams over the flexibility of some rear wings.
Red Bull catches 'mini-DRS' at Ferrari and McLaren
The FIA announced stricter tests for rear wing flexibility for 2025. The same applies to the front wing, although the latter will see stricter rules enforced from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards. More rigorous testing on rear wing flexibility is already in place from the opening race, the Australian GP in Melbourne.
Nevertheless, during the winter testing in Bahrain, some teams are said to have still used a new variant of the much-discussed mini-DRS that McLaren introduced in 2024, but could not deploy for long due to intervention by the FIA. This would involve either a full rear wing that tilts backwards at high speed, or a variable gap on the straight as seen at McLaren last year.
According to Pierre Wache, Red Bull Racing's Technical Director, it is clear that some teams are once again pushing the limits. "It is still going on," he told The Race. "I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still."
There will be no protests for now, as the cars in Bahrain do not undergo extensive checks to see how far they comply with the regulations. In Melbourne, this will be different. "It will be [discussed]," predicts Wache. "It is quite visible."
FIA has tightened regulations around flexiwings
To curb the use of the mini-DRS effect, the FIA has tightened the regulations surrounding the use of the so-called 'flexiwings'. For instance, the minimum opening of the rear wing has been reduced from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm and the DRS bodywork is only allowed to have two positions: open or closed. Flexible intermediate positions are not allowed. In addition, teams must further strengthen their rear wing to prevent deflection of the component.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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