The FIA has released a statement about the flexi wing investigation as Ferrari and Red Bull F1 bosses up the ante in recent weeks.
The first move from the FIA came at Belgian GP when it revealed about undertaking enhanced examination of the front wings, whether it conforms with the Technical Regulation, especially with the amount of flexing that is happening.
The move was to put more cameras to keep an eye on the flexing to capture movements which the FOM cameras cannot get hold off. The two F1 teams who were largely put under the scanner were McLaren and Mercedes, with various of its rivals raising a question.
Things started to heat-up more in Italian GP, following which the FIA noted about the ongoing tests which will continue until the Singapore GP to collect more data. As of now, they haven’t found any issues with any of the wings, but more tests will happen.
There is no short-term fixes to come, but if needed they will put something up in the medium or long-term scene. “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,” it said in a statement.
“All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations. Since the Belgium 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 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 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.”
Over the Italian GP weekend, both Ferrari chief Frederic Vasseur and Red Bull boss Christian Horner shared their thoughts on the ongoing tests by the FIA. “This is a discussion that I don’t want to have with you, I will have it with Tombazis,” said the Frenchman. But we have to respect the decision of the FIA.
“We will have, again, the discussion. We have to deal [with] it internally with the FIA.” As for Horner, he added: “I think the regulations are very clear and that’s an FIA issue. Obviously they are tested and they pass, but then you have to look at the wording of the regulations.
“But, if you remember back in ’21, certainly around Baku time, there was a change to the front wing regulations, even though our wings passed the test [at the time]. It’s an FIA issue, so we’ll leave it and trust in them to deal with it. Well, if it’s acceptable then you have to join in.”
Here’s initial FIA note on flexi wing test
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