Red Bull warns it may mimic rivals’ flexible wings if current practices persist in F1.
Red Bull threatens to develop its own flexible front wing if the Formula 1 governing body fails to curb this practice.
It has recently emerged that “heated discussions” are taking place behind the scenes as Red Bull’s rivals, including the evolving teams of McLaren, Mercedes F1, and Ferrari, push the boundaries with flexible wings.
The front wing now plays a crucial role on their ground-effect single-seaters: with adequate flexibility, the tunnel under the F1 car’s floor is better fed to generate downforce, enabling a bit less rear wing and thus enhancing top speed.
According to the latest rumours, Aston Martin F1 is also actively working on its solution.
“It’s a race to have the most flexible front wing possible within these rules. Everyone has their own methods,” shares an F1 engineer wishing to remain anonymous.
“Some angle the flaps backward, others twist the entire wing or lower the wingtips.”
“No matter how it’s done, the goal remains the same—to reduce drag while maintaining downforce. However, maintaining a good balance for the car in all types of corners is not easy.”
A source at Red Bull also commented: “If this continues to be tolerated, we shall have to follow suit.”
For now, Red Bull has approached the FIA seeking clarification on what its rivals are doing. It is now up to the FIA to question the targeted teams (particularly McLaren but also Ferrari and Mercedes F1).
F1 Tension: Red Bull to Emulate Flexible Wings. F1 Tension: Red Bull to Emulate Flexible Wings
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