F1 Wings Dispute: Red Bull - Ferrari Challenge FIA

Red Bull and Ferrari confront the FIA over flexible wings used by McLaren and Mercedes, sparking a heated debate in the F1 community.

Red Bull and Ferrari to Pressure FIA Over McLaren and Mercedes F1 Wing Designs

Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Ferrari’s Frédéric Vasseur are in discussions with the Federation over the use of flexible wings by these two teams.

The MCL38 and the W15 have drawn attention in recent races, leading to dynamic flexing measures with camera monitoring just before the summer break.

Of course, these wings comply with the rules in static conditions. However, a more thorough investigation into the wing designs of McLaren and Mercedes has been requested, according to Dr. Helmut Marko. Horner confirmed.

“I think the regulations are very clear, and it’s an FIA issue. Obviously, they passed their tests, but then you have to look at the wording of the regulation.”

“If you go back to 2021, certainly at the time of Baku, there was a change in the regulations regarding front wings – and although our wings passed the test, they exploited the air’s elasticity.”

“It’s an FIA issue, we will leave it to them and trust them to handle it.”

When asked if Red Bull was considering introducing a similar solution, Horner replied: “Well, if it’s acceptable to the FIA, then you must join the club.”

Vasseur was also questioned after winning the Italian GP with Charles Leclerc, but he declined to state his position.

“It’s a discussion I don’t want to have with you (the media). I will have it with Nikolas Tombazis [the FIA’s single-seater director], but we must respect the FIA’s decision. We will handle it internally with the FIA.”