Leclerc does not think new flexi wing will be a "gamechanger"

Ahead of this weekend's Barcelona race, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has stated the upcoming front wing rule changes for the Spanish Grand Prix won't be a “gamechanger”.

Following issues with the flexibility of certain aerodynamic parts, the governing body had confirmed ahead of the new season that more stringent tests for the front and rear wing would be introduced in 2025.

While the technical regulations allow a certain degree of flexibility of various aerodynamic parts, including the front wing, the FIA had felt that some teams had taken the 'flexi-wing' approach to extremes.

Although the FIA had previously indicated that they would not change their approach to testing regarding the flexibility of aerodynamic parts, it announced in January that it would clamp down on the manner in which Formula 1 teams can bend their wings in the new season.

The new deflection tests have come into force in two steps. The stricter tests for the rear wings was introduced at the start of the upcoming season, and they have become even stricter since than as the FIA was not fully satisfied with how certain teams approached the rules.

The more stringent deflection tests on the front wings will be applied from this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

Leclerc hinted that he expects the rule tweak to affect every car, albeit he refused to reveal which team might feel the effect of the stricter load test the most.

“All cars will be affected by it, whether positively or not, again, that still remains to be seen. We shouldn’t be too affected by it. But again, time will tell. We’ll see if some other teams will be more affected, and that will hopefully help us to close a little bit of the gap.”

Despite suggesting that the rule tweak might affect the performance of several cars, Leclerc downplayed the chances of the directive significantly altering the order of competitiveness between teams.

“I don’t think we’re going to see a massive change in the pecking order that we see today. But it might make a little difference, and I hope it will benefit us.”

Signing off with a word for the potential impact of the new rules, the Monegasque noted: "I don’t think it’s going to be a game changer.”