Overview

• New static load tests cut allowed front-wing deflection from 20 mm to 15 mm under unilateral force and from 15 mm to 10 mm under bilateral force, with flap edge flex capped at 3 mm.
• The regulations aim to close a long-standing loophole that let teams bend wings for reduced drag and tailored downforce shifts.
• McLaren, whose flexible-wing design led last season, says the tighter thresholds will not undermine its on-track performance.
• Red Bull lobbied for the stricter checks and expects Max Verstappen to use the rule change to claw back his 25-point deficit to Oscar Piastri.
• Teams will learn over the Barcelona weekend whether the stiffer tests can reshape qualifying pace and race order.