Red Bull Racing has wasted no time in analyzing competitor cars before the 2025 Formula 1 season even begins. Christian Horner's team is on high alert, seeking any possible advantage as they prepare to challenge McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes in the upcoming campaign.
At the conclusion of last season Red Bull was way out in front but had to settle for third place behind eventual champions, McLaren, who made the breakthrough that year with the help of Zak Brown in second place by 77 points. It was well documented that they were unhappy about much with McLaren, with that patch of resentment deepened further by Oscar Piastri's win in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
After that, Red Bull began to file reports about McLaren's "mini DRS" rear wing, which incited talks with the FIA. McLaren later amended on the design. However, in 2025, Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Wache now alleges that McLaren is continuing with a version of said outlawed concept despite tighter FIA regulations.
FIA Crackdown on Flexible Aerodynamics
Red Bull’s scrutiny of rival designs hasn’t been limited to McLaren’s rear wing. The Austrian outfit also expressed concerns about their front wing last season, prompting the FIA to introduce stricter tests for flexibility from the Spanish Grand Prix onwards.
Meanwhile, McLaren turned the tables by questioning Red Bull’s front-bib device at the United States Grand Prix. However, after an investigation, FIA officials confirmed that drivers had no cockpit-controlled mechanism to adjust ride height—something that would have breached the regulations.
FIA to Inspect Ferrari and McLaren Rear Wings
Now, Red Bull has escalated its efforts by preparing what Italian outlet FormulaUnoAnalisiTecnica describes as an “official and accusatory file” regarding McLaren and Ferrari’s rear wings. The team believes both rivals are operating outside the FIA’s technical framework.
To address these concerns, the FIA is expected to send delegates to Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters and McLaren’s Working base for thorough inspections ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. The investigations will focus on the cars driven by Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Oscar Piastri, and Lando Norris.
Ferrari Unfazed by Red Bull’s Allegations
Despite Red Bull’s claims, Ferrari remains confident that they are in compliance with the regulations. Reports suggest the team is “calm” and does not anticipate any major complications arising from the scrutiny. They have outright dismissed the accusations brought forth by Red Bull.
A Highly Competitive 2025 Season Awaits
With F1 performance levels reaching new heights in 2025, even minor gains—whether on or off the track—could prove crucial in determining the season’s outcome. While McLaren appears to be the early frontrunner, the battle for positions two through four remains unpredictable, with Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes all in close contention.
Pre-season testing results have created mixed expectations for Ferrari. The team showed flashes of promise but ended the final day with setbacks, including off-track excursions and an early stoppage. However, there were positive signs during day two, suggesting that Ferrari may have unlocked key performance improvements.
