Alexandre
The 2025 season of Formula 1 is already marked by technical tensions between the teams, and a new development could well turn the team hierarchy upside down. The FIA has announced that, starting with this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, enhanced testing of rear wing flexibility will be applied, a decision that could particularly affect teams like McLaren. But what about the Scuderia Ferrari ?
A stricter test to counter the mini-DRS effect
The FIA's announcement follows the analysis of data collected during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, where the flexibility of the rear wings attracted a great deal of attention. This phenomenon, dubbed "mini-DRS", allows certain teams to exploit the deformation of the spoiler to reduce drag and increase straight-line speed, a significant strategic advantage.
To curb this controversial use, the FIA has stepped up its testing of rear wing flexibility. The test applied at the Chinese Grand Prix involves applying a vertical load of 75 kg to each edge of the main plane of the rear wing. Currently, the spoiler must not move more than 2 mm under this load. However, with the new directive, this limit is reduced to just 0.5 mm, with a tolerance of 0.25 mm authorized for the Shanghai race alone. From Suzuka onwards, this tolerance will be completely eliminated.
McLaren in the crosshairs, but Ferrari remains serene
Among the teams likely to be affected by the new regulations, McLaren is in the FIA's sights. The British team was criticized for its use of "mini-DRS" during the Bahrain and Melbourne tests, and continued to cause gnashing of teeth at Red Bull. But what about Ferrari?
According to information obtained by the Italian website F1inGenerale, Ferrari doesn't seem to be affected by the new regulations. The rear wing of the SF-25, the Scuderia's single-seater for the 2025 season, already complies with the technical specifications updated by the FIA. In other words, Ferrari is unlikely to be penalized by these stricter flexibility tests, which is excellent news for the Maranello-based team.
With the rear wing issue out of the way, Ferrari can finally turn its attention to improving the car's overall performance and competitiveness against its rivals. The Scuderia therefore seems ready to tackle the Chinese Grand Prix without fear of being disrupted by the FIA's new directive.