The 2025 Formula 1 season is off to a turbulent start following fresh allegations of some teams exploiting F1 mini-DRS loophole as the FIA intensifies its scrutiny of rear wing designs.
The controversy, which has been brewing since pre-season testing in Bahrain, has placed Ferrari and McLaren under the spotlight, with Red Bull’s technical director Pierre Wache leading the charge against their innovative designs.
The governing body has responded swiftly to F1 mini-DRS suspicions, introducing stricter measures to ensure compliance with aerodynamic regulations and prevent any unfair advantages.
The term “mini-DRS” refers to a technical innovation where rear wings flex or slightly open outside designated Drag Reduction System (DRS) zones, offering teams a speed advantage on straights.
While the FIA implemented regulatory changes ahead of the 2025 F1 season to eliminate this effect, suspicions remain that some teams have found ways to circumvent the rules.
Three teams face F1 mini-DRS suspicions
During Bahrain pre-season testing, footage and data showed the Mercedes wing flexing back on the straights, as several teams voiced concerns over slot gaps opening up on other cars in what seemed to be a return of so-called F1 mini-DRS exploits.
Red Bull’s Pierre Wache has been vocal about his observations, accusing Ferrari and McLaren of continuing to exploit the mini-DRS concept.
“It is still going on,” Wache stated. “I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still.”
His remarks have been echoed by other team principals with one anonymous source describing flo-vis paint on the rear wings of some cars was unusual, calling for immediate action from the FIA.
“Looking at the videos we have seen, some of the rear wings out there appear to be quite flexible,” the anonymous team boss told The Race. “It is something we are keeping a very close eye on.”
The genesis of flexi-wings saga
The controversy surrounding F1 mini-DRS is not new. McLaren first drew attention to this concept during the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix when Oscar Piastri’s car showcased a rear wing design that appeared to remain partially open outside DRS zones.
Their design provided a significant speed boost which sparked protests from rival teams. In response, the FIA revised its regulations for 2025 F1, narrowing the allowable slot gap in rear wings from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm and mandating stricter compliance checks.
Additionally, new rules were introduced to ensure that DRS bodywork should only operate between fully open and fully closed states, eliminating intermediate positions.
READ ALSO: Key 2025 F1 rule changes you need to know
Despite these measures, pre-season testing revealed potential F1 mini-DRS loopholes in the updated regulations. Observations of flexing rear wings and unusual deformation patterns raised questions about whether teams were pushing the boundaries of legality.
FIA takes action on fresh suspicions
According to Autoracer.it, the FIA issued an updated technical directive (TD034) to address these concerns, now requiring teams to install housings for high-definition cameras on their cars.
These cameras will monitor rear wing behavior during races, capturing footage that will be analyzed alongside reference stickers placed on specific locations of the wings. Additionally, reference stickers will be applied to specific locations on the wings to monitor any irregular flexing or deformation.
One key aspect of the F1 mini-DRS controversy is the challenge of enforcing compliance during pre-season testing. Unlike race weekends where cars are subject to rigorous scrutineering, testing sessions allow teams greater freedom to experiment with designs without immediate repercussions.
The lack of strict oversight led some teams to push boundaries, knowing that any findings could be addressed before the 2025 F1 season begins. However, this approach risks creating an uneven playing field if certain innovations go unchecked.
As the F1 paddock prepares for the Australian Grand Prix, tensions are running high. Teams are closely monitoring their rivals’ designs and performance data, ready to lodge formal complaints if they suspect rule violations during competitive sessions.
The FIA’s newly implemented monitoring tools will play a crucial role in determining whether any teams are indeed circumventing regulations.
