Marko suggests that a clampdown on flexi-wings could be advantageous for Verstappen.

      "No one else navigates a challenging car like he does."

      By GMM

      13 March 2025 - 15:45

      The clampdown on wing flexibility in the middle of the season could actually favor Max Verstappen more than any other competitor on the grid. This is the perspective of Red Bull advisor Dr. Helmut Marko, who criticized the FIA’s choice to delay the implementation of stricter flexibility tests for front wings until Barcelona in June. "At this point, everyone except the smaller teams has developed a wing that flexes," he told Auto Motor und Sport. "It's absurd that they will all have to discard them midway through the season. The new regulation should either take effect from the beginning or not at all. The FIA should have understood by now that rules need to be drafted to eliminate any grey areas like this." Given how established the current technical regulations are, the impact of front wing flexibility isn't primarily about sheer speed, but rather about creating a more stable and manageable car. When asked if this could ultimately benefit Verstappen, Marko concurred: "It will certainly advantage Max. No one else manages a difficult car like he does." Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone also believes that if challenges arise in 2025, it will be four-time world champion Verstappen - rather than the McLaren favorites - who will appear the strongest. "Do I think a McLaren driver will win the championship? I have considerable doubts," he said to sport.de. "Provide Max with the right car, and you'll see what unfolds. Is (Lando) Norris as good as Max? The answer is no."