Red Bull has lodged an “official and accusatory file” against Formula 1 rivals McLaren and Ferrari to the FIA regarding their use of flexi-wings, according to a report.
A report by FUnoAnalisiTechnica says that the Milton Keynes squad are said to be concerned regarding the issue, with Technical Director Pierre Wache conveying his disquietness to stewards during the Bahrain pre-season test programme.
The report states that, as per the file being submitted, the FIA will now visit both Woking and Maranello to inspect both teams’ practices.
The flexi-wings issue dates back to last year with Red Bull taking issue with the front wing flexibility displayed by McLaren and Ferrari.
The saga spread to rear wings with McLaren’s configurations on low-drag circuits believed to be pushing the boundaries of legality within the rules.
A notable example came at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, won by Oscar Piastri, with the upper and lower sections of the Australian’s rear wing being seen to flex in such a way that the movement began to replicate the effects of DRS.
Wache had been previously vocal of McLaren’s design, telling Racing News 365 in December: “I think it’s so difficult to develop that I think some grey areas are so attractive as an engineer.
“When you see the rear wing of McLaren, I’m sorry, but it’s more than grey, and they use it for multiple races.
“Because, without that, Baku, they will not win. Even our constructors’ championship will be completely different.”
New camera and deflection tests in place for further inspection
The FIA has begun to take stringent measures to combat any potential breach of the regulations, with specifically-mounted cameras placed on the front of the cars in order to monitor any potential infringements.
This will continue in 2025, with cameras now being placed on the rear wings.
More stringent deflection testing on rear wings will also come into effect immediately, with similar testing on front wings commencing from Round 9, the Spanish Grand Prix – a directive that could threaten to shake up the competition, depending on how the interpretation of the regulations have been currently met by teams.
McLaren’s Team Principal Andrea Stella has been optimistic regarding the changes, telling Sky Sports last month the FIA’s clampdown was “No headache at all,” adding: “We don’t have to make many adjustments at all for the start of the season.”
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