Flexi-Wing Controversy Flares Up in F1: Red Bull Casts Suspicion on McLaren and Ferrari’s Front Wings

Is there a new controversy over flexible wings in Formula 1? Red Bull raises eyebrows at McLaren and Ferrari

Reports indicate that Red Bull is increasingly wary of the front wings utilized by their Formula 1 competitors, McLaren and Ferrari.

The focus has shifted back to flexible front wings, as reported by the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport. They highlight that Red Bull is now more explicitly accusing both McLaren and Ferrari of utilizing these wings.

McLaren and Ferrari have recently intensified their challenge against Red Bull, compelling the current world champions to closely examine their front wings for potential flexing.

AMuS has revealed that Red Bull attempted to persuade Aston Martin to challenge the front wings of McLaren and Ferrari. However, the team based in Silverstone chose not to do so and is believed to be developing its own response to the situation.

According to AMuS, Red Bull has made a statement indicating that if the situation continues to be accepted, they will be compelled to follow suit.

During the previous year's Singapore Grand Prix, the FIA, which oversees Formula 1, initiated stricter controls on flexible wings following worries that teams might be exploiting "specific flexibility and/or movement among neighboring parts" to gain an aerodynamic edge.

TD018 was implemented to clearly define the boundaries regarding bodywork flexibility, ensuring that teams understand the limitations and refrain from stretching the rules to their advantage.

The FIA conducts rigorous static load examinations on teams, applying a force of 60 newtons to the front wings, which are allowed a maximum deformation of no more than three millimetres.

It is understood that Aston Martin was recommended to alter their front wing configuration at the beginning of the 2023 season to avoid any possible violations of the regulations.

At the beginning of the season, Mercedes caught attention with a creative interpretation of the rules applied to their W15's front wing, which initially received approval from the FIA but was later discarded before the Monaco Grand Prix.

The newly improved front wing on the Mercedes has enhanced the vehicle's equilibrium, boosting the confidence of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell as they drive.

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