In a dramatic development ahead of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, the FIA has confirmed that one team failed to meet the newly enforced front wing regulations — and faces immediate exclusion from the race weekend if compliance is not achieved by final scrutineering.

As part of a sweeping clampdown on flexi-wing designs, the FIA is enforcing stricter limits on how much the front wing flaps may deflect under load. The updated Article 3.15.4 now mandates a maximum of 10mm deflection, reduced from the previous 15mm.

While the FIA did not officially name the team in violation, it issued a pointed statement after Friday’s initial inspections:

“Following the updated front wing compliance tests conducted ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, all but one team’s component was found to conform to the revised load-deflection standards,” the FIA confirmed. “The team in question has been notified and given until the end of final practice to present an updated design for approval. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from qualifying and the race.”

Though unnamed, speculation in the paddock points toward a midfield team previously rumored to be pushing the limits of aerodynamic flexibility. Engineers have reportedly been working through the night on a backup specification to ensure legality.

The announcement comes on the same weekend that all 10 teams were also asked to trial a new steel skid block during FP1 — another FIA initiative aimed at preventing grass fires caused by titanium skid sparks, as witnessed at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this season.

“This test phase is critical,” the FIA added, “as we evaluate the feasibility of implementing new materials at high-risk venues later this year.”

However, the spotlight remains firmly on the front wing saga, with several teams — including McLaren and Red Bull — under scrutiny. McLaren, currently leading both championships, has denied gaining an advantage from flexible bodywork, while Mercedes and Ferrari have expressed optimism that the new rules could tighten the field.

With Saturday’s qualifying fast approaching, all eyes are now on whether the unnamed team can bring its car into compliance — or face the unprecedented scenario of being disqualified before a single lap of competition. The Spanish Grand Prix, once seen as a predictable round, is shaping up to be a weekend full of tension, transformation, and technical fallout.