Red Bull Poised to Mimic McLaren and Mercedes Wing Designs After FIA Ruling, Says Horner

In the aftermath of the Monza race, Red Bull and Ferrari sought a definitive answer from the FIA regarding the legality of McLaren's and Mercedes' front wing designs. The teams were particularly concerned about the significant flexing of these wings during on-track performance. This inquiry has sparked a broader discussion about the interpretation and enforcement of technical regulations in Formula 1.

FIA's Stance on Front Wing Flexibility

The FIA has been closely monitoring the levels of on-track flexing in the wings since the Belgian Grand Prix. After thorough investigation, the governing body declared that all 2024 wings were legal within the bounds of the regulations. This decision has significant implications for the future development of front wing designs across all teams.

Red Bull's Response and Future Strategy

Christian Horner, Red Bull's team principal, expressed that the FIA's decision to declare the wings legal would likely encourage his team to pursue similar designs. He emphasized the importance of clarity in such matters, stating that if a design is deemed acceptable, it naturally leads teams to explore similar solutions.

Technical Implications and Regulatory Considerations

The issue of front wing flexibility is not as straightforward as simply passing static load tests. Technical directive TD34 states that the FIA does not consider designs whose structural characteristics are altered by secondary parameters, such as aerodynamic load and temperature, as legal. However, it also acknowledges that no wing can be infinitely stiff and will flex under some load.

Performance Benefits of Flexible Front Wings

The potential advantages of a flexing front wing are significant. Reducing overall front wing camber under load helps shift drag away from the front wing on straight sections. Moreover, it has been suggested that the balance benefits offered by a flexing front wing have contributed to McLaren's successes and Mercedes' improved performance throughout the 2024 season.

Ongoing Monitoring and Future Regulations

The FIA has committed to continue monitoring the wings at upcoming races, including the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grand Prix weekends. This ongoing data collection will help the governing body build a comprehensive database to objectively assess the situation and quantify differences between various dynamic patterns observed on track. While no immediate regulatory changes are planned, any potential adjustments would likely be implemented for the 2025 season.