FIA issue statement after McLaren, Mercedes front-wing scrutiny

The FIA has clarified its position regarding the continuing flexi front-wing debate following concerns raised by Red Bull and Ferrari about its F1 rivals Mercedes and McLaren.

The front wings of the W15 and MCL38 have drawn attention for appearing to flex more than the spirit of the regulations allows, despite passing the standard FIA load-bearing tests.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said it was “an FIA issue”, although he added that despite the wings passing the tests, you “have to look at the wording of the regulations”.

Ferrari counterpart Fred Vasseur said he would discuss the matter with FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis. He added: “But we have to respect the decision of the FIA, and we will deal with it internally with the FIA.”

The FIA has conceded that front wings are “a challenging area”, however, at present no car goes beyond the regulations but has warned further tests will be introduced should issues be suspected.

FIA explain front-wing challenges

A statement released by the FIA read: “The FIA is examining front wings at every event with numerous checks (conformity of surfaces, conformity of deflections) with respect to the relevant F1 Technical Regulation. All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations.

“Since the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA has acquired additional data during FP1 and FP2 sessions to assess dynamic behaviours through an FIA-mandated video camera which captures areas of the front wing which are not visible through the official FOM cameras.

“This exercise will continue at least up until Singapore to ensure every team will have been running the mandated FIA camera on different types of tracks (low, medium, high and very high downforce).

“This will ensure a large database allowing the FIA to draw the most objective picture of the situation and quantify differences between the various dynamic patterns observed on track.

“No component is infinitely stiff, which is the reason why there are load-deflection tests in the regulations.

“The front wing has been a challenging area throughout the years because the aerodynamic loading patterns between different competitors vary and it is therefore difficult to find a load vector which will cover all types of front-wing construction.

“Other areas of the car, including rear wing and floor edges, have much more consistent aerodynamic loading patterns across the grid, making for a more universal load-deflection test.

“The FIA has the right to introduce new tests if irregularities are suspected. There are no plans for any short-term measures, but we are evaluating the situation with the medium and long-term in mind.”