After extensive testing, the FIA confirmed on Tuesday that the front wings of all Formula 1 teams have been found to be legal. Earlier this year, several teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari, raised concerns. In particular, Mercedes and McLaren were suspected of having a front wing that would bend too much under aerodynamic pressure. However, according to the FIA, all parts comply with the rules.
During the race weekend in Belgium, an investigation was already underway into the flexibility of the front wing. The McLaren team had special cameras mounted on the car to monitor the so-called ‘flex’ of the carbon. After the Italian GP, Helmut Marko called on the FIA to further investigate these images. On Tuesday, the organization was able to confirm that the tests showed that all teams operate within the rules.
“All front wings currently comply with the regulations for 2024,” reads an official statement from the FIA. “We investigate these parts through various checks (surface conformity, deformation conformity, etc.) with respect to the relevant regulations.”
Ban on Flexi-Wings?
According to the FIA, there will be more checks during the upcoming Grands Prix. A change in the regulations regarding the mobility of the front wings could possibly occur in 2025. “We will continue testing until the Singapore GP,” the message continues. “We need to ensure that all teams have used the cameras on different types of circuits.”
The flexible front wing – or flexi-wing – is not a new invention. Mercedes has been using such a component for some time. It is up to the FIA to determine whether there should be future regulations against these types of innovations. The flexi-wing mainly reduces resistance on the straights, thus allowing for a higher top speed.
Please note that all references to time are in UST.
