F1 News
The FIA finally reveal if Mercedes and McLaren's front wings are illegal
- Ludo van Denderen
Red Bull Racing and Ferrari have had doubts for some time about the legality of the front wings on Mercedes' and McLaren's cars. At first glance, their respective wings appear to move. This, of course, is not allowed. During the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, the FIA used minuscule cameras to see if there were any issues, but it turned out that this was not the case, at least according to their examinations.
That did not silence the discussion, however. Last weekend, as indicated, Ferrari and Red Bull (sometimes off the record) at least questioned the front wings. The FIA subsequently issued an extensive statement on the front wings this Tuesday.
The FIA's statement
"The FIA is examining front wings at every event with numerous checks (conformity of surfaces, conformity of deflections) with respect to the relevant F1 Technical Regulation. All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations.
"Since the Belgium Grand Prix, the FIA has acquired additional data during FP1 and FP2 sessions to assess dynamic behaviours through an FIA-mandated video camera which captures areas of the front wing which are not visible through the official FOM cameras. This exercise will continue at least up until Singapore to ensure every team will have been running the mandated FIA camera on different types of tracks (low, medium, high and very high downforce).
"This will ensure a large database allowing the FIA to draw the most objective picture of the situation and quantify differences between the various dynamic patterns observed on track component is infinitely stiff, which is the reason why there are load-deflection tests in the Regulations.
"The front wing has been a challenging area throughout the years, because the aerodynamic loading patterns between different competitors varies and it is therefore difficult to find a load vector which will cover all types of front wing construction.Other areas of the car – including rear wing and floor edges – have much more consistent aerodynamic loading patterns across the grid, making for a more universal load-deflection test.
"The FIA has the right to introduce new tests if irregularities are suspected. There are no plans for any short-term measures, but we are evaluating the situation with the medium and long-term in mind."
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon
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