The new Red Bull flexi-wing design was spotted during 2025 F1 Bahrain pre-season testing.
The new development underscores the team’s relentless pursuit of performance and its ability to stay ahead of the curve, even as the FIA tightens its grip on flexible bodywork regulations.
The new Red Bull flexi-wing, integrated into the RB21, has sparked intrigue and speculation across the paddock, as it represents a bold step in aerodynamic engineering under regulations that are nearing their final year before significant changes in 2026 F1.
The flexi-wing saga has been a contentious issue in Formula 1 for several seasons, with teams like McLaren and Mercedes previously exploiting this technology to gain an aerodynamic edge.
The concept allows wings to flex under load, optimizing downforce and drag depending on speed and cornering demands. While this approach offers significant performance benefits, it has also drawn scrutiny from the FIA, leading to stricter testing protocols aimed at curbing excessive flexibility.
For 2025 F1, Red Bull appears to have embraced this technology within the permissible limits for the first eight rounds of the season, before transitioning to a more compliant version by the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
During the opening day of 2025 F1 Bahrain pre-season testing, footage of Liam Lawson piloting the RB21 revealed the operation of the new Red Bull flexi-wing. The New Zealander was second fastest in the morning session, but suffered a spin.
The design reportedly enables greater deflection under aerodynamic load while maintaining compliance with current regulations. This innovation could provide a critical advantage in balancing low-speed understeer and high-speed oversteer—two challenges that teams continuously strive to address in modern F1 cars.
Max Verstappen later took over testing duties, further validating the car’s performance as the Milton Keynes based outfit prepares for another championship campaign.
