The Paddock of Formula 1 is in effervescence with anticipation and controversy while the FIA ​​has introduced a significant change of rule before the Grand Prix of Spain, which will take place on the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya. This unexpected development occurs after Lewis Hamilton, of Ferrari, called for an “urgent action” on a critical problem with an impact on sport. The new regulations, focused on the flexibility of the aileron before, aroused a debate on its potential to reshape the competitive order, with teams like McLaren and Mercedes under surveillance for their aerodynamic conceptions. This article examines the details of the new rule, Hamilton’s reaction and broader implications for the 2025 Formula 1 season.

The FIA ​​implemented the TD018 technical directive, in force from the Spanish Grand Prix, as part of its continuous repression against flexible aerodynamic components, commonly known as “flexible wings”. The directive introduces more strict load and deflection tests for the front wings, reducing the eligible deflection of 15 mm to 10 mm under a vertical load of 1,000 N applied symmetrically, and from 20 mm to 15 mm when applied asymmetrically. In addition, a load test of 60 N on the front wing shutter now allows only 3 mm of deflection, against 5 mm before. These changes aim to guarantee fair competition conditions by limiting the aerodynamic advantages obtained thanks to the flexible wings, that certain teams, including McLaren and Mercedes, have been accused of exploiting.

The FIA ​​decision follows an examination process that started at the Belgian Grand Prix 2024, with new assessments carried out in December 2024. The director of the managing instance department Nikolas Tombazis, stressed that the exams were designed to eliminate the controversies surrounding the flexible wings, guaranteeing equity without requiring revisions of the car components.

Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion and now a pilot at Ferrari, openly expressed the need for immediate changes in Formula 1, even if his specific requests seem to focus on wider sports issues rather than on the technical directive itself. Hamilton’s call for an “urgent action” coincides with the FIA ​​announcement, which gives rise to speculation about its position on the new rule. However, in comments reported before the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton has shown pragmatism: “I don’t know how the new rules on the flexibility of the aileron before will change things, but we focus on ourselves. We know that the potential is there if we are doing our tasks well. This suggests that even if he recognizes uncertainty surrounding the change of rule, his main concern concerns the performance and execution of Ferrari.

Hamilton’s comments are involved in the middle of a difficult but promising first season with Ferrari. Despite initial difficulties in terms of stability at the start of turn and balance on the day of the race, the recent updates have improved the grip and consistency of the rear of the SF-25, in particular in cooler conditions. The emphasis on Hamilton on “controllable elements” indicates a strategic state of mind, favoring the development of Ferrari in relation to external factors such as new regulations.

The timing of the FIA ​​technical directive is significant since McLaren is currently leading the manufacturer’s championship with 172 points ahead, the Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri drivers overlooking the pilot ranking. Some speculate that the aggressive use of flexible fins by McLaren has contributed to its advantage in terms of speed, and the new rules could potentially limit its domination. The director of the Ferrari team, Fred Vasseur, suggested that the directive could “change the game”, noting that Ferrari works on a flexible front “for ages”. He suggested that teams like McLaren and Mercedes, who may have maximized flexibility within the previous limits, could lose a certain aerodynamic advantage, while the more conservative conceptions of Ferrari could position them favorably.

However, McLaren pilots remain optimistic. Norris and Piastri have minimized the impact of the change of rule, expressing their confidence in the fact that their team’s performance would remain strong. Meanwhile, rivals like Red Bull, led by the director of the team Christian Horner, monitor the situation closely, Horner noting that the change of the aileron before is “quite important” and could affect the competition order.

In addition to the front fin directive, the FIA ​​has confirmed a change in tire compounds for the Spanish Grand Prix, moving away from the more tender compounds used in Monaco. The demanding layout of the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit led Pirelli to provide harder tires: C3 (tender), C2 (medium) and C1 (hard). This change aims to remedy the high wear of the tires observed on the track, to potentially modify the race strategies and to delete the compulsory rule of the two stops, which has not improved overruns in Monaco.

In addition, the FIA ​​tests steel protective blocks during the tests to replace those in titanium, following incidents of grass fires caused by sparks in previous races. This test aims to increase safety by reducing heat retention of the protective blocks, with potential implications for circuits with grass runoff.

The call to change Lewis Hamilton is not new. Throughout his career, he has influenced many changes in FIA rules, ranging from the clarification of the rules for exceeding the protocols of the channels of the stands and even the introduction of restrictions on political messages. His recent comments are in line with his commitment to equity and security in sport, even if the details of his request for “urgent change” remain vague in the context of the Grand Prix of Spain.

The new FIA technical directive on the flexibility of the front fin has prepared the field for a spectacular Spain Grand Prix, with potential changes in the competitive landscape. Lewis Hamilton’s call to an “urgent action” underlines its continuous influence in Formula 1, even if its attention remains on the execution of Ferrari rather than the change of rule itself. While the teams are adapting to new regulations and new tire compounds, Barcelona race could be crucial for the 2025 championship race. While McLaren’s domination is threatened and Ferrari is ready to take advantage of it, the Spanish Grand Prix promises to offer both track action and off -piste intrigue.