The FIA ​​strengthens its visual checks to measure wing deformation

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix promises to be as lively on track as it is behind the scenes. The dispute has not changed since the last meeting in Monaco: it still concerns the flexibility of the wings, particularly the rear, of certain single-seaters. 

Article 3.8 of the technical regulations F1 stipulate that " any element having an influence on the aerodynamic performance of the car must remain stationary in relation to the suspended part of the car (basically the chassis, Editor’s note)).” For what ? Because aerodynamic elements which deform under the effect of speed offer a performance gain. Flexible fins generate less drag in a straight line, while providing more downforce in turns.

The FIA ​​has long been carrying out a series of flexibility tests to ensure that the fins, but also the flat bottom, are sufficiently rigid. To do this, the governing body exerts several load forces at different locations on the bodywork and studies the deformation of the areas concerned, with tolerance thresholds. It is indeed illusory to expect bodywork elements to remain perfectly still when a racing car is launched at more than 300 km/h. 

The regulator issued a technical directive after the Spanish GP where images of the rear wing of the Red Bull did not fail to make the competition talk, starting with Mercedes. Objective of this federal missive: to announce reinforced load controls, as permitted by Article 3.9.9 of the technical regulations. 

Problem for some: they will not come into force before June 15, i.e. after the Baku meeting. However, the route nestled on the banks of the Caspian Sea alternates immense straight lines and winding portions; it therefore turns out to be an ideal playground for flexible fins. This schedule of measures is intolerable for those who consider themselves in the nails, typically McLaren and Mercedes. 

From Monaco, threats of complaint were thus brandished by the camp of the virtuous, while the teams in their crosshairs – Red Bull and Alfa Romeo in particular – were upset about the unforeseen expenses to come to modify their fins, and assimilated the federal technical directive to a change of regulations during the season. 

• An update welcomed by self-proclaimed good students

Before Baku, Nikolas Tombazis, head of single-seater championships at the FIA, sent the teams an updated version of the initial document. He details in particular the new visual controls introduced for the Azerbaijani meeting. 

12 circular stickers were affixed to the rear wing of the single-seaters. These stickers will serve as markers to check on the images from the on-board cameras that the deformation, " inevitable » in certain cases, rear wings « do not circumvent the spirit of this directive ». 

Tombazis therefore hopes to see “ a significant reduction in the deformation of the rear wings on a circuit known to be conducive to the manifestation of such a phenomenon ". Otherwise the regulator could intervene and further strengthen its future tests.  

The introduction of these visual measures for Baku was welcomed by McLaren but team principal Andreas Seidl especially hopes that the FIA ​​will take action if the phenomena observed on the Barcelona side were to be repeated. 

« This update to the technical directive was welcome, commented the German from Baku. These stickers will allow the FIA ​​to measure more precisely what is happening. 

It's not easy for them to get precise numbers when it comes to deformation. Nikolas was very clear in the technical directive. If the Barcelona scenario repeats itself, action will be taken ». 

Asked if he was ready to file a complaint in the event of a repeat offense, Seidl preferred to procrastinate. “ Generally speaking, there is not much point in starting procedures on Friday as teams can change their wing by Saturday. », concluded the main McLaren team, whose position unsurprisingly aligns with that of its engine manufacturer Mercedes. 

If ever the Red Bull's rear wing were to be the subject of a complaint, the Austrian clan has already made it known that it would respond by targeting the front wing of the W12. This promises an uncertain Azerbaijani weekend until the end, including after the checkered flag.