Aileron regulation: Horner wants to maximize opportunities before reform

The regulations on front wing flexibility should only come into effect starting from the Spanish GP. However, from the beginning of the season, the FIA implemented stricter rules regarding the flexibility of the rear wing, rules that were subsequently reinforced before the second race in China.

The MCL39 is unquestionably the superpower in 2025, but that did not stop Max Verstappen from achieving an unlikely victory last week in Japan. The RB21 is certainly not the most powerful package. Nevertheless, there is still hope that the change in the front wing flex could undercut the McLarens, but Horner remains reserved in his statements on this matter and prefers that his team continues to apply pressure.

I think there is an unknown as to how this will affect the different cars, he stated to some media. He then added that this year the margin for maneuver was delicate as everything is very close. This front wing change is significant. It will therefore be interesting to see how and whom it will affect. There are no guarantees. We know which aspects of the car need improvement. The whole team is paying great attention to it.

Japan has highlighted how well the car performs in low-speed corners and traction areas, as well as its excellence in braking, and that its drivers can now attack the curbs, which was not easily possible with last year’s RB20.

Red Bull, whose performances have been up and down until now and who made a driver swap with Racing Bulls, hopes to demonstrate that it still holds all the cards to win the 2025 championship. Max Verstappen managed to spring a surprise by putting pressure on and maintaining the advantage over the McLarens during the Japanese Grand Prix. There is no doubt he can do it again.

Christian Horner also has confidence in his drivers and his car. « So yes, there are many positives to take away. We know that if we manage to exploit the potential of this car, we will be in the race. I think this championship is going to be about maximizing our opportunities », he stated.

Although he triumphed in Japan and exploited certain advantages from Saturday morning, Verstappen is aware that Red Bull has not yet achieved the goals set for its car. The car continues to pose problems in terms of cornering balance management. It was only by modifying a multitude of elements from Friday to Saturday that Red Bull managed to place the car in the right conditions, allowing the Dutch driver to accomplish what he did.

The concerns about aerodynamic balance disruption are not as pronounced as they were with the RB20; however, experts point out that the team has achieved only 25% of the expected advancements in this area, so there is still much to improve.

The abrasive circuit of Bahrain seems like a boon for Red Bull to reduce the advantage of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Thinking about the race on Sunday, Horner remains realistic: « McLaren will be very strong in Bahrain. It’s a track that should theoretically be in their favor. They have the fastest car at the moment. I think we’ll have to make a big effort to beat them. »