Ferrari and Red Bull have implemented updates to their front wing designs.
In response to the introduction of stricter load tests for rear wings, Ferrari and Red Bull have confirmed that they were compelled to make adjustments to their designs ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
This move follows concerns over the flexibility of certain aerodynamic components. The FIA had previously announced that more rigorous testing for both front and rear wings would be implemented starting in the 2025 season.
While current technical regulations permit a limited degree of flexibility in aerodynamic elements such as the front wing, the FIA believed that some teams were pushing the ‘flexi-wing’ concept too far.
Although the governing body had initially suggested it would maintain its existing testing approach, it revealed in January a plan to tighten enforcement on how teams manipulate wing flexibility.
These enhanced deflection tests have been rolled out in phases. The first phase, targeting rear wings, was implemented at the beginning of the season. However, as the FIA remained unsatisfied with how certain teams interpreted the rules, the tests have since become even more stringent.
The more stringent front wing deflection tests are set to take effect starting with this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
In preparation, Ferrari has introduced updates to its front wing, specifically adjusting the chordwise and spanwise load distribution of the wing elements, along with a redesigned endplate and modified outboard tip rolls. The team emphasized that these changes are not specific to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but instead align with the updated Articles 3.15.4 and 3.15.5 of the technical regulations, which come into force from this race onward.
Likewise, Red Bull has confirmed modifications to the first and second elements of its front wing, noting that adjustments to the flap elements and tips are a direct result of the changes made to the primary components.
The team from Milton Keynes explained that these revisions were made “to comply with the updated 2025 F1 Technical Regulations taking effect at the Spanish Grand Prix.” They added that the new front wing geometry has been reworked to improve stiffness with minimal weight increase, and further refined to achieve the desired load distribution.
In addition, Ferrari has introduced updates to its rear wing, specifically redesigning the tip and roll elements on its high-downforce top rear wing. The team stated that the component, originally carried over from 2024 and previously used at Imola, has received localized modifications to the outboard tip and roll geometries. These changes enhance local airflow characteristics, resulting in a more efficient increase in aerodynamic load.
