“It's a major performance differentiator”: Stake F1 team boss Jonathan Wheatley on tightened FIA testing and possible F1 pecking order change

Team Principal of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber Jonathan Wheatley has made a dire warning before the next Spanish Grand Prix , implying that a change in Formula 1 's pecking order is possible because of a new FIA rule aimed at curbing flexi-wings. The adjustment takes effect at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and is intended to curb wing flexibility at high speeds — something Jonathan Wheatley thinks will radically change team performance.
FIA’s flexi-wing crackdown to shake up grid; mid-pack teams see opportunity
The Spanish round will be the first event of the 2025 season to feature more stringent FIA tests for aerodynamic flexibility, specifically for the front and rear wings. While some teams are already modifying their designs in preparation, others have stated that they are confident that no drastic changes are needed. Jonathan Wheatley, who transferred to Stake F1 from Red Bull this year, thinks the impact of this regulatory adjustment could be immense, particularly considering the closeness with which frontrunners and midfield teams are currently finishing.
Talking of the new rule, Jonathan Wheatley said, “It's a major performance differentiator, so I think you're right; it could be a change in the order. You look at how tight it is at the front and in the midpack; a little change like that could have a huge difference.”
The current Formula 1 standings are led by McLaren, which has taken an early stranglehold on the championship by winning five of the first six races. Red Bull Racing and Mercedes are closely behind, while Stake F1 finds itself at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship, still searching for momentum in a transitional season before becoming Audi’s official works team in 2026.
This rule alteration might be an unusual chance for Stake F1 to close the gap. Wheatley accepted the challenge but emphasised the plans to continue developing the team: “We have a programme in place for upgrades,” he said. “What we're trying to do is understand all of the development that we've done so far and put together a slightly more focused package than we've done before. I don't want to put a timeline on that just yet.”
Spanish GP might be a critical juncture in 2025 F1 title battle
As regulations clamp down and the title contest heats up, the Spanish Grand Prix may turn out to be a turning point of the season. If the FIA's tests for flexi-wings affect front-runners more than expected, the gate may be opened for struggling teams like Stake F1 to move up the standings.
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Wheatley's comments are shared sentiment in the paddock — that even small regulatory changes can spread throughout the grid with dramatic scale. Those with the best flexible engineering departments and flexible upgrade routes may have their biggest payback in Barcelona.