McLaren and Red Bull reignite their rivalry as the FIA tightens rules on flexible wings, fueling fresh controversy over F1’s aerodynamic battle.
Zak Brown, McLaren F1’s boss, downplayed the impact of the FIA’s restrictions on flexible wings on the 2025 hierarchy, as he does not expect there to be “a winner and a loser.”
However, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner stated that the effect of the Spanish Grand Prix technical directive will be “interesting” to watch, arguing that its timing makes it “a bit strange.”
The FIA is introducing stricter rear wing flex tests this season, set to take effect from the opening round in Australia, while tighter front wing tests will also come into force from the ninth race in Spain.
Motorsport’s governing body announced revisions to TD018 in January after flexible wings made headlines last season.
“I don’t think it’s a significant change for us,” said Brown, as McLaren was clearly the most advanced team in terms of wing flex in 2024.
“I think it’s too difficult to say who wins or loses because I don’t believe it will be a major change for anyone.”
“I don’t expect there to be a winner and a loser or a shift in the hierarchy at that moment because of this change.”
However, his Red Bull counterpart, Christian Horner, is not as convinced there will be no consequences, once again questioning the timing of the directive, which will take effect in the ninth race.
“It will be interesting to see the effect it has. I suppose the slightly odd part is the timing.”
“Why wait for nine races? Maybe it would have been better to handle it during the off-season because you end up with two wing specifications.”
“But I think it’s impossible to predict who will come out on top or who will lose. Well, I have my own idea, but Zak won’t agree with me… We all know which team started this.”
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