Red Bull Suspects McLaren and Ferrari of Flexing Formula 1 Front Wings Beyond Regulations
In the midst of the ongoing Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing has expressed suspicion that both McLaren and Ferrari have been running Formula 1 front wings that exceed the flex limits imposed by the FIA. According to a recent report from Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull is now “more openly” pointing fingers at the front wing designs of its competitors.
Mercedes Suspicions and Upgraded Front Wing
The article reveals that Mercedes, too, has suspicions regarding the front wings but has chosen not to protest and instead follow the same path as its rivals. Interestingly, Mercedes’ new front wing is said to belong to the “legally bent” group and played a crucial role in the team’s strong performance in Canada. The upgraded wing not only provided a performance gain but also improved the car’s balance and driver confidence.
Red Bull’s Warning and the Flexing Wings Controversy
Red Bull has warned that if the FIA continues to tolerate this practice, they will have no choice but to follow suit. “If this is further tolerated, we have to go the same way,” Red Bull stated. This development highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between Formula 1 teams as they strive to pass the FIA tests while pushing the boundaries of the regulations.
Front wings are loaded with 60 newtons and must not deform more than three millimeters, but teams are constantly seeking ways to bend the rules without breaching them. This is not the first time that flexing wings have been a topic of controversy in Formula 1. During the 2021 title battle, Mercedes accused Red Bull of featuring a rear wing that flexed excessively, resulting in a significant advantage on straight-line speed.
Aston Martin’s Front Wing Design Change
More recently, Aston Martin was forced to change its front wing design due to FIA concerns that it was against the spirit of the rule. The change coincided with a significant dip in the team’s competitiveness, as they went from consistent podium finishes to minor points scorers.
According to AMuS, Red Bull attempted to convince Aston Martin to protest Ferrari and McLaren alongside them, but the British marque opted to decline and focus on developing its own solution instead. The FIA introduced a TD018 technical regulation to limit flexi-wings before the Singapore Grand Prix last season, following concerns that teams were using this tactic to gain aerodynamic advantages.
“If this is further tolerated, we have to go the same way,” Red Bull stated.
As the Formula 1 season unfolds, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the teams and the sport as a whole. One thing is certain – the battle for aerodynamic supremacy continues to be a critical aspect of Formula 1 news, and Red Bull’s stance on flexing front wings is just the latest chapter in this ongoing saga.
🔗 Source