Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen delivers verdict on FIA flexi-wing clampdown

F1 cars have been running under the new FIA flexi-wing rules for the first time at Spanish Grand Prix practice.

Verstappen Spain Friday
Article
To news overview © XPBimages

Max Verstappen has delivered his first verdict on the FIA's flexi-wing clampdown after the first day of running at the Spanish GP.

The new technical directive in force for Barcelona means front-wings now must pass tougher and more sustained flex tests by the FIA, in a bid to eradicate the flexing some teams have been benefiting from. 

McLaren was one such team, but despite the changes, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri still comfortably topped FP1 and FP2, respectively with Verstappen second and then third in the two sessions. 

Reflecting on the day, the four-time Barcelona winner detailed his thoughts on the day's running. 

"If you look at the standings, obviously not a lot, but from my side, that was also not really expected," he said of the changes introduced by the FIA. 

"The track is always enjoyable to drive, it was quite hot out there, especially for the tyres, but it was an okay Friday.

"I mean, we've had worse Fridays, but I felt a bit happier with the car, we're still not where we want to be, but it is definitely more positive.

"I still want a better feeling from the car, but I've also had Fridays where we are completely out of it."

Also interesting:

WATCH: Verstappen contract clause emerges as Horner addresses Ferrari rumours

Be sure to join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they dissect the opening day of the Spanish Grand Prix.

Explore the latest F1 results and every stat you can imagine - From Max Verstappen to Michael Schumacher and from Ayrton Senna to Lewis Hamilton — explore every stat from the first Grand Prix to the latest race.

Explore the RN365 Stats Hub

Join the conversation!

Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.

Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar

A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..

F1 calendar 2026
Race Date
chn Chinese GP 15 Mar 2026
jpn Japanese GP 29 Mar 2026
bhr Bahrain GP 12 Apr 2026
sau Saudi Arabian GP 19 Apr 2026
usa Miami GP 03 May 2026
can Canadian GP 24 May 2026
Full calendar
x
LATEST Max Verstappen delivers F1 retirement update as FIA discussions confirmed