Just in:FiA confirms Disqualification at Spanish GP Ra…read more
FiA confirms Disqualification at Spanish GP Ra…read more
At the Spanish Grand Prix, McLaren has not submitted any modifications to its front wing, despite the enforcement of a new technical directive (TD018H) aimed at clamping down on flexi-wings in Formula 1. This contrasts with teams like Red Bull and Ferrari, who have declared updates to ensure compliance with the revised regulations.
Red Bull has modified multiple elements of its front wing, including the first and second flaps and tips. According to the team, the new design aims to enhance stiffness with minimal weight gain, while refining the aerodynamic load characteristics to align with the updated 2025 F1 Technical Regulations, which come into effect this weekend.
Ferrari, too, has responded with changes to its front wing endplates and the outboard tip rolls. The update focuses on improving the chordwise and spanwise load distribution across the wing elements, in line with the FIA’s stricter flexi-wing guidelines.
While McLaren has not reported any updates, Mercedes made front wing changes earlier during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The team, led by Toto Wolff, appears to have anticipated the directive and made the necessary adjustments ahead of its rivals.
Other teams have also taken steps to comply. Aston Martin, Haas, Racing Bulls, and Williams have all submitted front wing changes as part of the FIA’s mandatory upgrade disclosure. Stake has also declared a modification to its front wing, although it did not explicitly cite the new regulations in its explanation. Instead, the team described the change as a minor adjustment to the area connecting the mainplane and endplate.
Beyond front wing updates, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya has prompted a range of other aerodynamic developments across the grid. Ferrari has introduced a revised rear wing designed for the high-downforce demands of the Spanish track. This version, which was initially seen at the end of 2024 and tested again in Imola, features slight tweaks to improve airflow efficiency.
Mercedes has also introduced a new circuit-specific rear wing, reworking the mainplane and flap elements to optimize downforce and reduce drag. Additionally, it has updated its floor fences to improve airflow management under the car.
Alpine has focused on its floor, re-profiling both the surface and the floor fences to refine aerodynamics. Racing Bulls will debut a redesigned nose, raising the lower surface while lowering the tip, a change driven by adjustments to its front wing and its connections to the endplates.
Williams, in addition to front wing changes, has introduced circuit-specific rear brake duct geometry and an optional cooling louvre panel. Meanwhile, Stake has also revised its floor and engine cover to enhance aerodynamic load and airflow.
