F1 Today | McLaren's wing tricks outsmart F1 regulations, Fear of performance imbalance in 2026

According to F1 icon and ground effect pioneer at Lotus Peter Wright, the FIA's flexiwing clampdown introduced in Barcelona had no effect in the pecking order because they have no way of policing the area where the teams, namely McLaren, are exploiting the flexibility potential.

According to the Briton, McLaren would be using an aircraft industry principal where layered structures could be directed to deflect as desired upon load, whilst still complying to the stricter tests the FIA introduced ahead of the race in Spain.

As it is now well known in 2026 F1 regulations are in for a massive overhaul in terms of the chassis, power units and even the fuel, with the cars' dimensions and weight also being affected.

The Global Director of Ford Performance Mark Rushbrook was cautious when speaking about the potential performance of the team in relation to its rivals.

"Every time there are new regulations, especially if it’s for the power unit and the chassis at the same time, there is – I wouldn’t say fear, but there is – a known risk that teams will start at different levels," the American explained.

Rushbrook seemed to suggest that if there are any imbalances in terms of performance among teams, the sport and the teams themselves should take action to ensure they can still put on a 'good show'.

These comments come after several the meetings overseen by the FIA that addressed most of the amnufacturers' major concerns regarding the power distribution between the electrical and the internal combustion's side.