The FIA is reportedly leaning towards allowing the deformation of wings from 2026, provided they meet strict safety requirements, such as passing crash tests. The idea is gaining traction among teams because with the introduction of active aerodynamics, the effectiveness of movable parts will be slightly reduced.
The official proposal has not yet been formally presented, but in the Austin paddock, the topic came up repeatedly in conversations with several team members. Some teams have exchanged opinions on the idea of erasing the contentious rules on flexible wings and giving engineers more freedom.
Since the last Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA has imposed stricter limits on wing deformation, requiring teams to modify their wings to increase rigidity. However, three months later, FIA cameras confirmed that the profiles began flexing again.
This technical issue has a long history, along with failed attempts to tighten the loads wings must withstand to pass FIA static tests. With the new technical cycle starting next season, some have suggested that the only solution might be to remove all restrictions, giving teams complete freedom and turning wing flexibility into an open technical debate.
All teams would start on equal footing, without limitations. The choice would ultimately be in the hands of the teams themselves, who effectively define the technical regulations for their cars, while the FIA maintains oversight.
According to Motorsport Italy sources, the only aspect likely to involve the FIA would be safety. The Federation’s priority is ensuring that wings do not fail, which has led some teams to suggest including them in crash tests, currently reserved for impact zones of the car. “It’s a solution that can be easily implemented,” explained one engineer. “A load test can be set up where the wing is allowed to flex but must not break. Once it passes, it is up to the teams to exploit their knowledge of flexibility to the fullest.”
The chances of this idea entering discussions within the Technical Working Group are significant. Regarding 2026 cars, teams are highly attentive to any innovations that could reduce drag. Although the front wing adjustment provided by the SLM (Straight Line Mode) system will help, having more flexible wing profiles will be a welcome advantage for engineers obsessed with lower aerodynamic resistance, better energy efficiency, and increased battery recharge potential.
However, the greatest benefit would be the drastic reduction in recurring controversies. “If you cannot control the problem, it is better to allow freedom with only the constraint of designing wings to high safety standards,” concluded a team engineer. Time is limited, and engineers need to know the final technical and sporting regulations to work in detail, studying the optimal carbon fiber layup to maximize every advantage. In the event of an agreement, this area would no longer be a gray zone but one of the major technical challenges to tackle in preparation for 2026.
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