McLaren had to modify 2025 F1 car after late flexi-wing rule change

Woking-based McLaren, pre-season favourites for the titles this season, will have to make adjustments to its launch-specification front wing to comply with updated technical regulations.

The debate surrounding flexible wings in Formula 1 took an unexpected turn in late January when the F1's governing body, the FIA introduced stricter regulations. Initially, the governing body planned to reinforce flexibility tests on rear wings for the start of the season, but in January, it also moved to impose tighter restrictions on front wings.

From the ninth race of the season, the FIA will reduce allowable tolerances in front wing tests by one millimetre. The timing of this directive has raised challenges for teams, as it was introduced deep into the winter development phase.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the required modifications but downplayed their significance.

"Small adjustments will be necessary from race nine onwards," Stella told Sky Sports News. "Our launch front wing is too flexible to meet the new tests."

However, Stella dismissed suggestions that McLaren was benefiting from significant aerodynamic gains through flexing front wings, he added: "I know it's a big topic of conversation, but the things we're dealing with and the ones that are causing us headaches are completely different

"I don't want to appear disrespectful to all the men and women at McLaren who are working so hard to make a car that is already very fast in 2024, even faster."

Despite the technical adjustment, McLaren remains confident in its heavily revised 2024 car. The team has made significant development strides over the winter and has set its sights on challenging for both world championship titles.

According to McLaren, the front wing modification is a minor issue in the context of its broader performance goals but the Woking-based team finds itself needing to make adjustments. This marks the second time the team has had to modify its front wing due to technical directives, following a previous issue in Baku last year.

Notable forthcoming dates include F1 pre-season testing which takes place in Bahrain from 26-28 February, followed by the first round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, the Australian Grand Prix takes place on 16 March, with