Formula 1

FIA to introduce tougher rear wing flexing tests after Red Bull controversy

Sam Hall Wednesday 12 May 2021 15:10

FIA to introduce tougher rear wing flexing tests after Red Bull controversy

Formula 1 teams will face tougher rear wing flexing tests after Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes commented on the unusual 'bending' on the Red Bull wing at the Spanish Grand Prix.

After qualifying in Barcelona, Hamilton commented that Red Bull "have this bendy wing on the back of their car" which he believed could benefit title rival Max Verstappen by up to three-tenths per lap.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner refuted any allegation the car may not conform to regulations and suggested his Mercedes opposite number, Toto Wolff, may have been behind the driver's comments.

Of the 'bending', Wolff later opted not to provide any further comment.

The FIA however has responded to footage that showed the flexing by issuing a note to teams informing of tougher static load tests that will be used to prevent rear wings from behaving in a way not intended by the regulations.

To achieve this, the loads wings are subjected to in both 'pull-back' and 'push-down' tests will be increased whilst the tolerances for movement will be reduced.

The tests will come into force from the French Grand Prix next month, with teams permitted to continue using current designs in the upcoming three scheduled races at Monaco, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Latest News

GPFans Recap

Hamilton and Ferrari in FIA inspection as F1 star summoned at Japanese GP - F1 Recap

3 hours ago

F1 Social

Roscoe Hamilton 'replaced' as new pooch makes Ferrari appearance

Yesterday 22:57

Latest F1 News

NEW F1 team principal hailed in official statement ahead of debut

Yesterday 21:54

Japanese Grand Prix

FIA summon Tsunoda's Red Bull in Japanese GP procedure

Yesterday 20:54

Max Verstappen

Verstappen doubles down on Red Bull 'bullying' criticism

Yesterday 20:13

Latest F1 News

Hamilton FINALLY issues statement on Ferrari disqualification

Yesterday 19:26

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2025

GP AUSTRALIA 14 - 14 Mar

GP BAHRAIN 11 - 11 Apr

GP SAUDI ARABIA 18 - 18 Apr

GP USA 2 - 2 May

GP ITALY 16 - 16 May

GP MONACO 23 - 23 May

GP SPAIN 30 - 30 May

Complete kalender 2025

F1 News 24/7

Races

About GPFans

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

FIA to introduce tougher rear wing flexing tests after Red Bull controversy

FIA to introduce tougher rear wing flexing tests after Red Bull controversy