Formula One’s governing body, the FIA will implement more rigorous testing of wing flexing to ensure teams do not take wing flexibility to the extremes in the upcoming season.
During several races that took place in the summer months in 2024, Formula One’s governing body, the FIA performed additional checks of the flexibility of front wings, using video footage. The first round that saw the Paris-based body carry out a test was the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
While the technical regulations allow a certain degree of flexibility of various aerodynamic parts, including the front wing, the FIA had felt that some teams had taken the ‘flexi-wing’ approach to extremes.
Having concluded its investigation, the governing body then confirmed after last season’s Italian Grand Prix that no Formula One team was in breach of the technical regulations regarding their front wing designs.
Although the FIA previously indicated that they would not change their approach to testing regarding the flexibility of aerodynamic parts, it has now emerged that the scope of front and rear wing tests on cars would be increased in the upcoming season.
According to a report from Motorsport.com, the governing body will introduce stricter test for the rear wings from the start of the upcoming season in Australia on March 16.
In addition, more rigorous front wing tests will come into force from the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1, with the FIA believed to provide teams with additional time to adjust their front wing design.
“Following further analysis carried out by the FIA Single Seater Department after the conclusion of the 2024 season, we are committed to ensure that bodywork flexibility is no longer a point of contention for the 2025 season.
“As part of this effort, we will be increasing the scope of rear wing tests from the start of the 2025 season, and additional front wing tests being introduced from the Spanish GP.
“This phased approach allows teams to adapt without the need to discard existing components unnecessarily. These adjustments are aimed at further refining our ability to monitor and enforce bodywork flexibility regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors to promote fair and exciting racing,” the FIA noted on request from Motorsport.com.
