FIA not changing front wing rules after Red Bull’s comments on rivals · RaceFans

The FIA says it has no plans to change its rules on front wings Formula 1 after Red Bull voiced doubts over the legality of its rivals’ designs.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and motorsport consultant Helmut Marko drew attention to the designs used by rivals McLaren and Mercedes following the Italian Grand Prix. Although the team did not claims its rivals’ designs were illegal, they suggested the wings may flex to an extent the FIA may not approve of.

Front wings must comply with rules governing their size and shape. They also undergo weight tests designed to ensure they do not flex excessively as the load upon them increases at high speed.

The FIA’s technical department confirmed in a statement to RaceFans that “all front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations” and they do not intend to introduce new tests in the near future.

Teams have been required to run additional cameras during Friday’s practice sessions since the Belgian Grand Prix in order to provide further data to the FIA on how front wings deform at speed. The FIA intends to continue this approach at least until the Singapore Grand Prix later this month in order to observe behaviours across a range of downforce levels, from minimum to maximum.

“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,” a spokesperson told RaceFans.

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

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“The front wing has been a challenging area throughout the years, because the aerodynamic loading patterns between different competitors varies 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 spokesperson confirmed no changes to the regulations in this area are currently planned.

“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.”