FIA issue flexi-wing statement as several teams chase McLaren and Mercedes clarification

At the 2023 Belgian Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc is leading the field into Turn 1.

The FIA has issued a statement clarifying its position on the level of front-wing flexing currently under observation through a recent technical directive.

In recent weeks, the flexibility of the front wing on some of F1’s top cars has been the subject of attention. The FIA is attempting to monitor the extent of this flexing through a technical directive introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix.

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Since the introduction of TD034G in Belgium, the FIA has been able to closely monitor the current levels of front-wing flexibility using ultra-high-resolution cameras and tracking dots.

While all the teams have passed all current checks and load tests, some of the leading teams are understood to be unhappy with the level of flexibility on display at McLaren and Mercedes, with Ferrari, Red Bull, and Williams voicing their concerns to the FIA.

It is understood that Ferrari team boss, Fred Vasseur, will be discussing the issue with Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA single-seater director, on Tuesday. Furthermore, Christian Horner, Red Bull boss, has stated that his team is prepared to respond with a modified front wing if there are no problems running at higher flex levels.

On Tuesday, the FIA issued a statement to clarify its position following the initial weeks of monitoring, according to an official announcement.

The statement read, “At every event, the FIA is conducting numerous checks on front wings, including conformity of surfaces and deflections, in accordance with the relevant F1 Technical Regulation.”

Currently, all front wings comply with the 2024 regulations.

Since the Belgium Grand Prix, the FIA has gathered more data during FP1 and FP2 sessions to evaluate dynamic actions using a video camera mandated by the FIA. This camera records areas of the front wing that the official FOM cameras cannot see.

This exercise will persist at least until we reach Singapore to guarantee that every team has operated the required FIA camera on various types of tracks, including low, medium, high, and very high downforce.

“This will create a substantial database that enables the FIA to form the most unbiased understanding of the situation and measure the differences among the various dynamic patterns seen on the track.”

The governing body also clarified that the current static load tests, which measure flexibility levels, may require adjustments for 2025. They also conceded that consistently monitoring the front wings has presented difficulties.

The statement continued, “There are load-deflection tests in the Regulations because no component is infinitely stiff.”

The front wing has consistently posed a challenge over the years, given the differing aerodynamic loading patterns among various competitors. As a result, it’s hard to identify a load vector that can accommodate all kinds of front wing structures.

The aerodynamic loading patterns across the grid are much more consistent in other parts of the car, such as the rear wing and floor edges, facilitating a more universal load-deflection test.

The FIA holds the authority to implement new tests if any irregularities are suspected. While there are no immediate actions planned, we are assessing the situation considering the medium and long-term outlook.

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Following the Italian Grand Prix weekend, the voices calling for closer examination of front wing flex have only grown louder, as Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko told Austria’s ORF.

“He said that the front wing of McLaren and Mercedes needs to be analysed,”

Vasseur expressed his plan to speak about the issue with Tombazis, stating, “I prefer not to have this discussion with you [laughs], I will have it with Tombazis.”

“But we must respect the FIA’s decision, and we’ll have the discussion again.”

The Red Bull team boss, Horner, stated that even if a test is passed, there can still be uncertainty over how a component’s use may interpret the wording of a regulation.

“He expressed his belief that the regulations are quite straightforward and that it’s an issue for FIA,” he shared with the press, including PlanetF1.com, following the Italian GP.

Clearly, they passed certain tests, but it would be necessary to examine the specific language of the regulations.

To put it another way, if you recall from around the time in Baku in ’21, there was a modification to the regulation of front wings. Despite our wings passing the test, it was taking advantage of air elasticity.

That’s an issue for the FIA, so we’ll trust them to handle it and leave it at that.

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