F1 News: Red Bull Insider Locks Eyes on Mercedes—'Flexing Wing Is an Important Issue'

Red Bull is closely monitoring Mercedes' use of flexible front wings amid concerns of rule bending.

Jun 8, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (GBR) races during the qualifying session of the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports / David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports

At the recent Spanish Grand Prix, the smoldering rivalry between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes flared anew, with accusations flying over the use of controversial aerodynamics. Red Bull has voiced concerns about Mercedes's deployment of flexible front wings, or "flexi-wings," which are suspected of providing an illicit competitive edge by bending FIA rules designed to ensure fair play.

Helmut Marko, Chief Advisor for Red Bull, has taken a proactive stance, vowing to monitor Mercedes's compliance with these strict regulations closely.

"I have a new task for myself this weekend. I will watch Mercedes more closely. The flexing front wing is an important issue. I have to make sure everything goes according to the rule book,” Marko stated, quoted by Sportskeeda.com.

The contention pivots on the flexi-wings, which are alleged to bend more than what is permissible under current FIA mandates. These components, while enhancing aerodynamic efficiency, must adhere to stringent standards that dictate they remain rigid to certain tolerances to maintain fair competition across teams.

This issue is not confined to Mercedes alone; Red Bull has extended its scrutiny to include McLaren and Ferrari, suggesting a broader concern over the legality of aerodynamics in the sport. The background to this saga is textured by a heated rivalry, most notably exemplified during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton clashed in a dramatic showdown for the World Championship, fuelled by a divisive decision by then FIA race director Michael Massi.

The ongoing disputes reflect deeper dynamics within Formula 1, where technological innovation constantly brushes up against regulatory frameworks. With Mercedes displaying newfound speed at the Canadian Grand Prix and now the Spanish Grand Prix, too, possibly due to new aerodynamic enhancements, Red Bull remains wary.