Red Bull criticism of crucial FIA rule change explained

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is one of many to have applauded the FIA for announcing changes to the tests on flexi wings but criticised the timing of the introduction of the new measures. 

Motorsport's governing body will not introduce the more stringent flexi front wing tests until the ninth round of the season – the Spanish Grand Prix.

"It is good that they are going to address this," Horner told select media including RacingNews365. Obviously something has changed. 

"The front wing will be changed after race nine. Why race nine? No idea, but that's how they do it. 

"What this basically means is that you have problems from before race nine and from after race nine that you have to deal with, and that's going to drive up the cost quite a bit."

Last year, McLaren and Mercedes were under a magnifying glass because their wings flexed considerably on the straights. 

Red Bull and Ferrari questioned whether it was legal, resulting in the FIA adjusting the static tests. Despite the tests being adjusted, McLaren and Mercedes' front wings were not declared illegal.

As for the stricter tests for the rear wing, it will be introduced from the season-opener next month in Australia. This further adds to the confusion of why the new front wing tests will not be seen until the ninth round. 

It means front wing adjustments might have to be made from the Spanish GP, something Red Bull and others have criticised. 

That in turn has to do with finances, as the teams have already produced a front wing in the winter and may have to adjust it again in a year when the budget cap plays a crucial role anyway. 

In addition, next year will see the introduction of the new power unit regulations, with teams needing to invest money into the development of an entirely new car.

Additional Monaco problem

The consequence of the test being introduced in Spain? Potentially more costs, because new parts could be needed. 

Of course, the teams were notified well in advance, but it is still a minor setback. For example, Red Bull did not have the same front wing as McLaren in 2024. 

If Red Bull have spent time and money developing a front wing similar to the Woking-based team, the potential benefit could be short-lived if it needs to be changed from the ninth round.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur was also not entirely convinced about the timing of the new front wing tests. 

"I think it's good to have that clarity," Vasseur told select media including RacingNews365. "The most important thing for me is that I now know that we have to adjust something on the front wing from Barcelona, for example. 

"We can disagree about the timing, because this is only one week after Monaco. And for Monaco, we have to bring a special package for the front wing."

Vasseur, therefore, raises a second point of criticism, because from Monaco the circus travels to Spain for a race the following weekend. 

That presents logistical challenges because teams run a special package for the Monaco Grand Prix, due to the unique characteristics of the tight street circuit. 

Two new packages in two weekends, it's undoubtedly a headache, also because Monaco and Spain are part of a busy triple-header with Imola.

At first, the FIA planned to allow the new tests to go into effect from the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the first race of the European triple-header, until they were knocked back by the teams. 

No doubt the global motorsport federation did not want to delay the new tests too long with an eye on the championship and 2026, but the teams now do not seem entirely convinced about the timing either. 

All in all, the teams face a major challenge before the start of the season. Who comes out on top will soon be seen.