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Mercedes confirms FIA-controlled front wing

Mercedes confirm FIA check on front wing: 'Flexibility is being looked at'

26 July at 18:00
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  • Nicole Mulder

Starting from the Belgian Grand Prix, several Formula 1 teams' cars will be fitted with cameras on their front wings by the FIA. That includes Mercedes, which have made a lot of progress recently, partly thanks to their new front wing. However, technical chief Andrew Shovlin stresses that it is only about collecting data and there are no concerns about the component's flexibility.

As with all aspects of F1 cars, teams try to push the limits of the regulations to perform to the best of their ability. There are tests to measure flexibility, but these are carried out with stationary cars. It is possible to design a front wing to pass the tests but still flex during driving.

Mercedes confirm FIA-controlled front wing

The FIA are keen to gather more information for the aforementioned reason. However, it is not directly meant to determine whether a front wing is illegal, but it could potentially lead to the consideration of amending the technical regulations for 2025. Mercedes are one of the teams whose front wings were equipped with these cameras during Friday's free practice sessions.

When GPblog asked whether Mercedes' front wings have these cameras on because of the FIA, Shovlin confirmed. "Well, they are. We haven't got a concern on the flexibility because, like any bit of the car that's subject to deflection tests, it’s designed to pass the test," said the 50-year-old Briton.

"That activity is data collection. I think they're trying to understand what the entire grid is doing in terms of the stiffness and the flexibility on the track. We’ll help them with that. We’ll see what’s next but we’re not concerned," Shovlin assured.

Footage of FIA camera on Mercedes front wing

Images of the camera attached to the front wings of Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren, among others, can be seen in the pit lane. The cameras are only used in the first and second free practice sessions of an F1 weekend. On Saturday and during the race on Sunday, teams will not have to fit them.