F1 warned over 'major' pecking order change at Spanish GP

Stake F1 team principal Jonathan Wheatley has suggested the F1 pecking order could undergo a big change at the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Barcelona round will be the first to feature the FIA's stricter flexi-wing tests, with added scrutiny placed on how much the elements can bend at high speed.

Some teams have been working to adjust their wings to be ready for the Spanish event, while others have maintained they do not need to make any changes.

F1's competitive landscape is being led by McLaren, who has won five out of the opening six rounds of the season.

But Wheatley, who started his new role at Stake earlier this year following his exit from Red Bull, thinks the fresh clampdown from the FIA could have significant ramifications to the pecking order.

“It's a major performance differentiator, so I think you're right, it could be a change in the order," Wheatley said.

"You look at how tight it is at the front and in the midpack, a little change like that could have a huge difference.”

Stake will be eying the rule change as an opportunity to make a step forward, as it currently sits last in the constructors' championship.

The squad is preparing to transition to an Audi works team next year under a significant regulation overhaul, but will continue to develop the current car deeper into the campaign.

“We have a programme in place for upgrades,” Wheatley said.

“What we're trying to do is understand all of the development that we've done so far and put together a slightly more focused package than we've done before. 

“I don't want to put a timeline on that just yet.”