Flexible wings: FIA cuts short speculation and assures that “all wings are compliant”

The subject of front wing flexibility came back to the table last weekend, during the Italian Grand Prix. Following the Lombard round at Monza, Red Bull et Ferrari have asked the FIA ​​for clarification regarding these aerodynamic elements, while two teams are suspected of going beyond what is permitted: McLaren et MercedesBoth teams are suspected of using front wings with excessive deformation, with video evidence illustrating this phenomenon.

To avoid controversy, the FIA ​​had decided to install, from the Belgian Grand Prix before the summer break, a special 4K video camera on the nose of the single-seaters in order to capture images of the movement of the front wing during the Friday practice sessions. As for the rear wing, several reference points had to be placed by the teams to facilitate reading and the degree of flexibility. These checks are not primarily intended to identify teams that could break the rules, but to collect information.

© Eric Alonso /DPPI

No irregularities, but FIA remains cautious

Despite the new scrutiny, Ferrari and Red Bull have sought clarification from the FIA ​​and its technical director, Nikolas Tombazis, to know exactly what is allowed and what is not. So, on Tuesday, the governing body of the Formula 1 issued a statement to put an end to doubts and reiterated that it has the right to introduce new tests if irregularities are found.

"The FIA ​​examines the front wings at each event with numerous checks (conformity of the surfaces, conformity of the deflections) in relation to the relevant F1 technical regulations. All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations, assures the federation. Since the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA ​​has acquired additional data during the FP1 and FP2 sessions to assess dynamic behaviours using an FIA-mandated video camera that captures areas of the front wing that are not visible to the official FOM cameras.

"This exercise will continue at least until Singapore to ensure that each team has used the FIA-mandated camera on different types of circuits (low, medium, high and very high downforce). This will provide a large database that will allow the FIA ​​to draw up the most objective picture possible of the situation and to quantify the differences between the various dynamic patterns observed on the track."

“No component is infinitely stiff, which is why the regulations include load/deflection testing. The front wing has been a sensitive area over the years, as aerodynamic loading patterns vary from competitor to competitor, making it difficult to find a load vector that covers all types of front wing construction.”

“Other areas of the car – notably the rear wing and floor edges – have much more consistent aerodynamic load patterns across the grid, allowing for a more universal load-deformation test. The FIA ​​has the right to introduce further tests if it suspects irregularities. No short-term measures are planned, but we are assessing the situation with a medium to long-term perspective in mind.”

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