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Flexi-wing probe hits Williams with hefty fine

Flexi-wing probe hits Williams with hefty fine
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The flexi-wing controversy in Shanghai has resulted in a 50,000-euro fine for Williams.

The flexi-wing controversy in Shanghai has resulted in a 50,000-euro fine for Williams.

The team maintains it committed no breach, particularly regarding an overly flexible rear wing.

The issue is a focal point this weekend, with McLaren and other teams under FIA examination, aided by mandatory high-definition cameras in Friday's free practice.

McLaren appears to have avoided wing changes despite the intensified checks and stricter flex tests. "It's not directed at us," Lando Norris said. "It seems to be directed at other teams."

Reports suggest Alpine and Haas were required to adjust their rear wings for China.

Williams' error stemmed from missing the deadline to submit footage from the FIA cameras.

"The reason for the failure was apparently the team's belief that the cameras would come fitted with SD cards supplied by the FIA," the stewards determined. "They did not check if they did."

Williams stated: "For completeness, we provided all footage as requested in Melbourne with no issue and will continue to support the FIA and provide all required footage in a timely manner going forwards.

"We have no concerns over the legality of our wing. It is the same wing we ran in Melbourne, is fully compliant and we did not have to make any adjustments further to the issuing of the new technical directive."

Williams' new driver from Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, is also grappling with challenges. He told DAZN he's still adapting to the car and finding comfort in the cockpit.

"I'm struggling a lot with my balance, and I also have a strange feeling with the seat that we'll have to investigate," he said.

"In any case, in the end it all comes down to me not feeling completely at home in the car. I still have a lot to learn and understand about the car, and I know that with more driving experience, things will come."

Earlier in Shanghai, Lewis Hamilton, Sainz's replacement at Ferrari, rebuked critics of his own transition to a new team.

"We live in such a strange time in the world," the seven-time world champion said. "People just love to be negative at any opportunity, even with the smallest things."

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Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton on March 22, 2025.
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