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The FIA’s stricter front wing flexibility tests introduced for the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix aim to prevent aerodynamic exploitation by limiting how much front wings can flex under load. The new regulations reduce the maximum allowable deflection from 15mm to 10mm when load is applied symmetrically and from 20mm to 15mm when applied asymmetrically. Additionally, front wing flaps can now only deflect 3mm under 60N point load, down from 5mm.
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The FIA delayed implementation until mid-season instead of starting in 2025 because front wings take longer to redesign compared to rear wings. Unlike rear wings, which were addressed earlier in the season, front wings interact with the car’s impact structure, requiring additional crash tests before modifications could be approved.
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McLaren has been a major beneficiary of flexible wings leading to speculation that they may suffer the most from the clampdown. However, Oscar Piastri has downplayed the impact stating that McLaren’s success isn’t reliant on wing flexibility. Ferrari sees the regulation as a potential “game changer,” with team principal Fred Vasseur believing it could reset the competitive order. Red Bull remains cautious with Christian Horner acknowledging that the change will affect all teams but predicting no major shake up in the championship fight.
With less front wing flex, teams will need to adjust aerodynamic balance to maintain cornering stability. Some teams may struggle with high-speed cornering while others could find unexpected gains. The FIA has hinted that future directives may further tighten flexibility regulations ensuring aerodynamic fairness across the grid.
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