What are flexi wings and why is it so debatable?

Flexi wings were the hot topic in May and at the start of June, as it was an unfair advantage to teams that didn't use them. It gave the teams more speed on the straights and more down-force in the corners as well. 

 So why was it banned?

The rules (Article 3.8 of the Technical Regulations specifically) dictate that all components influencing a car’s aerodynamic performance (front and rear wings )– must be “rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car” and “remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car”. In simple terms, the aerodynamic devices in the car shouldn't move (except the DRS system) as it gives a massive aerodynamic advantage. Some of the teams who opposed the Flexi wing felt that there was a minor advantage and as this was an unfair advantage the teams had protested to the FIA to ban the wings. The wings were allowed to stay till the end of the Azerbaijan GP and from the next race in France, all the teams had to run a similar wing.

Why is it so debatable?  

As the F1 teams always overcome obstacles and find loopholes, it is very hard to govern the teams properly. These are heavily considered to be the grey areas of F1. Every part has to go through an aerodynamic load test and if the part fails, it cannot be used. The Flexi-wings made by the teams passed the load test and the governing body only noticed these wings after 2 or 3 races. It is really debatable as teams like Mercedes use flexi wings but in the front, but still protested the teams which used the rear flexi wing. Mercedes have been using this wing the whole season and have had an minor advantage compared to the other teams. When the flexi rear wing was banned, its only fair that the front wing should have been banned as well. Redbull have protested the front wing reportedly after the French grand prix and it is unclear why the stewards haven't taken action. This is the reason why its very debatable and it is unclear why the stewards haven't taken action. This topic wouldn't have mattered a lot last year as the cost cap wasn't present last year, but with the cost cap Redbull have lost $500,000 while Mercedes get to walk out with their resources spent elsewhere and an unfair advantage. 

 

 The above video was Valtteri Bottas 's Mercedes and as he didn't have a slipstream you can clearly see the wings bending or flexing.

The above video shows the rear wings of the Redbull and Alpine

My opinion regarding these rules:

The teams always come up with some new tricks so it is fair for the FIA to intervene, but the question that still ponders me is why hasn't the FIA taken action against Mercedes.