The Formula 1 car is a marvel of engineering, with each component playing a crucial role. This season, the spotlight has been on the ‘front wings,’ which have become a pivotal element in the competition. McLaren and Mercedes’ updated front wing designs have proven to be a significant challenge for Red Bull, contributing to the team’s winless streak over the past six races.
In response, the Milton Keynes-based team has called for an in-depth investigation to verify the legality of these new designs. However, FIA has released its official statement clarifying all the doubts regarding the flexi wings theory.
FIA Releases Official Statement, Confirms All F1 Team Follow The Rules
During the Italian GP, Christian Horner addressed concerns about Flexi-wings, shifting responsibility to the FIA while expressing confidence in their oversight. He noted that the front and rear wing regulations are clear, so any discrepancies fall under the FIA’s jurisdiction. Regarding McLaren and Mercedes, Horner was uncertain if their wings fully complied with the rules, even though both teams passed the tests. He referenced a similar situation in 2021 when Red Bull’s wings flexed beyond the allowed limits despite passing tests.
Consequently, the FIA has recently intensified its efforts to ensure that front wings in Formula 1 adhere to the 2024 Technical Regulations. This involves comprehensive inspections at each event, focusing on surface conformity and deflection compliance. All front wings currently meet the required standards.
Following the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA has increased scrutiny by collecting additional data during FP1 and FP2 sessions. This includes using an FIA-approved video camera to monitor the dynamic behavior of the front wings in areas not covered by the official FOM cameras. This initiative will continue through to the Singapore Grand Prix, allowing the FIA to evaluate performance across various track types, from low to very high downforce circuits. The aim is to build a detailed database enabling the FIA to objectively assess and quantify the differences in dynamic patterns observed across the grid.
Why Was McLaren And Mercedes On Red Bull’s Radar?
The current FIA regulations require engineers to position the maximum downforce point closer to the rear wings, which increases the load on the rear axle and negatively impacts the car’s speed in slow corners. Flexi Wings offers a solution to this issue. Although they pass FIA tests, these wings have the ability to flex as needed.
This flexibility allows the technical team to adjust the front wing’s downforce at varying speeds. The wing stays rigid at low speeds, generating more downforce and preventing understeer. Conversely, the wing flexes at high speeds to optimize aerodynamics and reduce oversteer. This makes Flexi Wings exceptionally effective and a significant challenge for the other teams.