James Vowles relays how the flexi wing ruling came about by the FIA during the course of 2024 season and if it affects Williams as much or not.
The flexi-wing drama from 2024 has continued on in 2025. The FIA shared a technical directive with the F1 teams this winter which remains private, but the governing body revealed about additional load tests to make sure none of the outfits is taking undue advantage.
The rear wing will see additional tests from the start of 2025 F1 season, while the front wing will undergo testing from Spanish GP onward. Williams team boss Vowles confirmed about the technical directive by relaying what happened in 2024 and the teams’ request for leeway this year.
The FIA wanted to bring the change in Imola itself but the teams requested for a delay due to Monaco GP. Additionally, he noted that Williams isn’t under huge threat due to the directive. “It was originally, I think round seven, they were to change it,” said Vowles to media.
“But we highlighted that it had Monaco in between and it’s really difficult for teams to effectively have the right stock of front wings for Monaco. So it got deferred back to the race after Monaco. Our wing, effectively, was already along the pipeline of production when the rules had changed. As a result of it, in terms of exploiting that area, I think you’ll find all teams are doing what they can.
“But there’s just going to be teams that are more advanced in their area than others. I don’t think we’re market leading in that particular area. However, what I can also say is the rule change doesn’t particularly trouble us and it probably will have a more profound effect on others,” summed up Vowles.
Here’s FIA on flexi wing
Here’s Williams F1 trio on swearing debate
Here’s more on Williams shakedown
Here’s Williams launching 2025 car
Here’s naming 2025 ambassadors
Here’s Barcelona TPC run
Here’s listing F1 driver academy drivers
Here’s link to a F1 Discord channel, join in to interact
