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Horner Left Puzzled as Red Bull Star Departs Role Following Official Statement
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed his surprise and confusion regarding the FIA’s latest regulatory changes on flexible wings in Formula 1. The new rules are set to be implemented for the 2025 season, starting with stricter rear wing tests during the first race in Australia and additional front wing tests to be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix on June 1.
The issue of flexible wings, or “flexi wings,” has been a hot topic in the paddock, particularly after concerns raised by Red Bull and Ferrari during the 2024 season. Both teams voiced apprehension over the potential advantages their rivals were gaining from these wings. Flexi wings allow teams to increase their downforce in the corners while minimizing drag on the straights, which can offer a significant performance boost.
While the FIA began investigating the matter after the Belgian Grand Prix, all 10 teams were found to be operating within the legal limits of the regulations. Despite this, the governing body has opted to implement more stringent measures in 2025 to prevent any possible loopholes. The new tests are designed to ensure that rear and front wings remain compliant under increased scrutiny.
The decision has left Horner baffled, particularly regarding the staggered introduction of the tests for front and rear wings. Speaking about the changes, Horner questioned why the FIA decided to implement stricter tests for rear wings from the start of the season, but only introduce front wing tests at the ninth race in Spain.
“I think it’s good that they’ve addressed it. Obviously, there’s been a change and a tidy-up to the rear wing,” Horner stated. “But the front wing gets changed at race nine. Why nine? I don’t know, but it is what it is. It’s the same for everyone. It just means you’ve got a pre-race nine and a post-race nine set of issues to deal with, which inevitably will drive cost.”
This staged approach means that teams will have to navigate different regulations at various points of the season, which could complicate development strategies and add financial strain. Horner’s concerns revolve around the potential for increased costs as teams will need to adapt to the new rules at two different stages of the season.
Despite these concerns, Horner acknowledges that the regulations are the same for everyone, and all teams will have to comply with the new testing procedures. However, he is left wondering why the FIA did not implement a uniform approach from the outset.
The controversy over flexi wings came to the forefront in 2024 when McLaren was found to be using a legal but highly effective rear wing design. While their wing complied with the FIA’s regulations, it did spark discussions about the boundaries of the rulebook. Following talks with the FIA after the Singapore Grand Prix, McLaren made minor modifications to their rear wing to avoid further scrutiny.
McLaren’s aerodynamic innovations contributed to their remarkable performance last season, ultimately securing their first constructors’ championship since 1998. The team’s resurgence saw them rise to the top of the standings, while Red Bull dropped to third place in the championship, a significant blow for a team that had dominated the sport in previous years.
As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen how the new regulations will impact the performance of the teams. With McLaren now the reigning constructors’ champions and Red Bull looking to regain their title, the stricter tests on flexi wings could play a crucial role in shaping the competitive landscape of Formula 1.
For now, Horner and the rest of the F1 paddock must prepare for a season of uncertainty as they navigate these new rules and their potential consequences.
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