TECH WEEKLY: How every F1 team reacted to the front wing flexing clampdown in Spain – and what changed on track

The FIA introduced new regulations at the Spanish Grand Prix to prevent front wing flexing, a practice believed to give some Formula 1 teams an unfair advantage. This clampdown targets two key areas: the reduction of flap angles at high speeds and the leveraging back of the entire mainplane assembly. The governing body suspects that certain teams have been exploiting these mechanisms to enhance their car's performance. By allowing the front wing to deform under aerodynamic load, teams could effectively mitigate the common trade-off between low-speed understeer and high-speed oversteer. This adaptability of the front wing would enable a car to maintain optimal downforce and balance across a wider range of speeds, providing a significant competitive edge. The FIA's move aims to ensure a more level playing field by enforcing stricter compliance with aerodynamic regulations. Teams are now required to ensure their front wings remain rigid and do not deform beyond a minimal tolerance, thereby eliminating a clever but potentially illegal avenue for performance gains. This change is expected to influence car design and setup strategies as teams adapt to the stricter interpretation of the rules.