The Grand Prix of Spain 2025 marks a crucial moment in the Formula 1 season, not only because of the competitive battle on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, but also due to a striking development around the technical regulations. The FIA ​​has introduced new, stricter tests for flexible front wings, which are in force from this race. While almost all top teams have adjusted their front wings to comply with these rules, surprisingly, surprisingly, McLaren has decided not to make any changes to the front wing of their MCL39. This decision has generated surprise and discussion in the paddock, with reactions from other teams and drivers.

The discussion about flexible front wings began in 2024, when McLaren and Mercedes were under fire because of their flexible designs, which bent on straight pieces to reduce air resistance and delivered more downward force in turns. Competitors such as Red Bull Racing and Ferrari criticized these designs as being contrary to the spirit of the rules, although the FIA ​​approved them at the time. After persistent complaints, the FIA ​​announced that the front wings would be tested more strictly from the Grand Prix of Spain 2025, with a maximum deflection of 10 millimeters instead of the earlier 15 millimeters in static tests. Teams were given Handcuff End May to adjust their wings, which led to a wave of updates with most teams.

Strikingly enough, according to the FIA ​​documents, McLaren reported that they did not introduce a new front wing for this race, despite the expectation that their controversial, flexible design would no longer comply with the new rules. This is all the more remarkable because teams such as Red Bull and Ferrari, which used less flexible wings, have made adjustments. McLaren’s choice to maintain the current front wing has led to speculation that they have faith in the conformity of their design, or that they have found a way to circumvent the tests without visible changes. Some sources suggest that McLaren may have driven with an adapted, stiffer wing during earlier races in 2025, which could explain their current approach.

The first free practice in Spain showed that McLaren’s trust seems to be justified. Lando Norris dominated the session with a time of 1: 13,718 on the soft tires, almost four tenths faster than Max Verstappen, which finished second. Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri followed in third to fifth place. McLaren’s MCL39 did not seem to be bothered by the change in line, which further fueled the speculations about their front wing. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner noted that the impact of the new rules may be less than expected, but he emphasized that McLaren’s performance remains impressive.

The reactions from the paddock were mixed. Ferrari’s team boss Frédéric Vasseur called the situation “interesting” and suggested that McLaren may have a lead in interpreting the rules. Toto Wolff from Mercedes indicated that Ferrari could possibly be the biggest winner of the New Tests, but acknowledged that McLaren’s raises unaltered approach about their technical strategy. Jos Verstappen, father of Max, expressed his frustration earlier this year about the timing of the rule change, which according to him McLaren gave an advantage in the first races of 2025. He called the late introduction “stupid”, because according to him McLaren has already benefited from their flexible wing.

During the Long Runs in VT1, the teams tested the sustainability of their cars with heavy fuel tanks under the new rules. Verstappen’s late return to the track, after Setup adjustments to his RB21, limited his Long Run, but McLaren’s drivers continued to perform consistent. This reinforces the idea that McLaren’s trust in their front wing is justified, although it remains unclear how their design passes the stricter tests.

The Grand Prix of Spain promises to be a key moment in the championship. McLaren’s daring decision not to adjust their front wing, while they remain competitive, the competition keeps sharp. Whether this is a master move or a risky gamble will show the rest of the weekend. For the time being, McLaren remains the team to keep an eye on, with Norris as a serious title candidate.