McLaren rivals still have ‘concerns’ about wing flexibility for crucial reason despite passing FIA tests

One of the most controversial talking points across the last 18 months in Formula 1 circles has been the flexibility of McLaren’s wings.

It all started when Oscar Piastri won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but McLaren’s rear wing appeared to flex at high speeds.

This created what became known as a ‘mini-DRS’ and suddenly, Ferrari’s car was also spotted potentially benefiting from a small gap where the DRS flap was flexing open.

Red Bull were furious that McLaren weren’t punished for what they believed was against the current regulations.

However, McLaren vowed to fix the issue, and cameras were installed on each car during practice to check whether anything untoward was going on.

Fast forward to the 2025 season, and every team was informed that new front wings would be required from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.

Not only that, but after one race, the FIA were furious with every team’s rear wings despite all of them passing the required tests.

New rules were introduced for the race in China, and while McLaren had no issues with either of their cars, there are still question marks over whether they’re completely in compliance.

READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

McLaren rivals still concerned about Bahrain pre-season testing wings

A report from Motorsport has provided more details about how McLaren might have a slight advantage over the rest of the grid.

Red Bull were among the teams keeping a very close eye on McLaren’s car during pre-season testing and in particular, their rear wing.

The FIA visited McLaren and Ferrari’s factories after testing to study both cars, but nothing illegal was discovered.

McLaren claimed in China that the new more stringent testing process didn’t impact their rear wing, but other teams had ‘concerns’ about the rear wing they used in Bahrain that might be utilised later in the season.

The ‘crucial’ detail for the rest of the paddock was that the part that arrived in Australia was ‘of a completely different specification’ to what was used during testing, and all eyes are going to be on Zak Brown’s team to see whether the other wing eventually makes its competitive debut.

READ MORE: Red Bull furious as FIA grants McLaren wish at late notice ahead of 2025 F1 season

FIA chief explains why rear wing tests were updated for the Chinese Grand Prix

The FIA rarely make a rule change after just one race weekend in a season, especially when teams only have a few days to adapt their cars.

The stricter tests only impacted a few teams, although they were given more leeway in Shanghai than they will be for the upcoming race in Japan.

Explaining the thought process behind the decision, FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis said: “We thought what we had done against the mini-DRS was enough, but we were not completely convinced and therefore asked the teams to put cameras on their cars.

“During the winter test in Bahrain, it became clear that our first intervention was not enough.

“Instead of a long game with all kinds of comments in the media, photos and complaints, we thought it would be better to act decisively.”

McLaren have managed to climb to the top of the pecking order at the end of a ruleset that initially didn’t favour them, and have had plenty of rule changes to adapt to at short notice in the process.

If they can retain their constructors’ championship crown and watch one of their drivers topple Max Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, it has to be considered one of their greatest achievements in their Formula 1 history.