F1 flexible wings: Red Bull calls for stricter tests, other teams push to keep current situation. Two factions have emerged regarding the flexible wings controversy.

Flexible Wings: What Will Happen?
In the latest F1 Commission meeting, teams discussed with the FIA the future of flexible wings, which have become one of the main technical topics of the 2024 Formula 1 season. McLaren was the first team to aggressively exploit this area, with a front wing that tended to bend backward under load while staying within the tolerance limits of the FIA’s load tests. Soon, all other teams followed the British team’s example.

Subsequently, the concept of “aerodynamic elasticity” was extended to the rear wing, with McLaren found to be using it in Baku. Red Bull then pressured the FIA to ban this system, which, according to the Anglo-Austrians, had also appeared on the Mercedes. The FIA later intervened to ban the use of the specific rear wing component in question.

The Two Camps
According to a report by German magazine *Auto, Motor und Sport*, two factions have emerged. On one side are the purists, led by Red Bull, calling for stricter load tests for all wings and a ban on any flexing. On the other side are those in favor of freezing the status quo, effectively preserving the current situation due to cost concerns. The specific load test values remain under discussion, and teams are urging the FIA to make a swift decision, which is expected by January.

Journalist Michael Schmidt commented: “A stricter approach would have various repercussions on the teams. McLaren would be the most affected, but Mercedes, Ferrari, Haas, and Alpine would also suffer losses. Red Bull, on the other hand, would be one of the beneficiaries.”