Ferrari look set to use banned Mercedes front wing in 2023

20:22, 14 Feb 2023
8 Comments
Ferrari have unveiled the new SF23 and at the event in Maranello, the front wing immediately caught the eye. Indeed, it resembles the wing from Mercedes that was met with much criticism at the 2022 US GP.
In 2022, Mercedes came to the US with the last major upgrade package of the year. Part of this package was a revised front wing, on which as many as five fins had been added to both sides of the front wing. These fins secured the top two flaps of the wing. Rival teams argued that this gave Mercedes an unfair aerodynamic advantage. As a precaution, the team removed the wings. Later, the wing was indeed censured by the FIA.

Ferrari shows banned 2022 Mercedes wing

It's now a surprise that Ferrari have built the same kind of front wing on the new 2023 car (it also shows exactly five fins per wing side). Yet there seems to have been a rule change that now allows it. Mercedes engineer Mike Elliott described the problem at the time: "There is a fuss about it because the regulations talk about the primary use for mechanical or measurement purposes, and there is clearly a secondary benefit of an aerodynamic design that is also in there. " A revised version of the 2023 Technical Regulations dated 7 December has removed the emphasis on the primary use of the fins.
A line has literally been drawn in Article 3.9.8 that requires fins on the front wing to be used only for mechanical and structural purposes. Ferrari has paid close attention and has seen that the secondary (aerodynamic) benefits may be included again. Ferrari's advantage only remains to be seen. Mercedes have not yet unveiled their car and may also have developed the wing in the same way.
8 Comments
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Bohunkgearhead 14 February 2023 at 22:18+ 1816

The wing was not banned. Mercedes withdrew it rather than go through all the political BS. Now the regulation is reworded and as long as it performs structural functions, the aero functions are okay.

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F1isBack 14 February 2023 at 22:11+ 31513

If they used all the previously banned Mercedes parts, Ferrari would end up with its a drivers sitting on a tarmac holding only a steering wheel.

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ibohunt 14 February 2023 at 21:46+ 9614

If it is deemed legal at the beginning of the year I hope that it remains legal for the ENTIRE year and doesn't get caught up in some "hey, he has a bendy wing [that passes all tests] and I'm crying to the FIA now" or "my car bounces like a trampoline, please FIA help us out" malarkey

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The Helmethead advisor Marko 14 February 2023 at 21:12+ 940

This launch was best of all and a real F YOU to Mercedes and RedBull. Ferrari ain't funkin around this time and they not scared to make it known. Real deal, real car, real show. None of this hogwash sticker parade shows....oooh look at my branding.......:)

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44-8xLegend 14 February 2023 at 22:45+ 33560

Merc haven't even launched yet.
Tune in tomorrow.

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The Helmethead advisor Marko 15 February 2023 at 05:15+ 940

Mercedes launching today?

Timur 14 February 2023 at 20:44+ 2

mercedes was thrown again

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MabMav 14 February 2023 at 20:36+ 9040

The rules allow it now,so.it will be on every challenger.

If not by the first race,definitely by the 3rd.