FIA Clears Mercedes and McLaren Amid Ongoing F1 Flexi-Wing Controversy: Red Bull and Ferrari Seek Further Clarification

Mercedes and McLaren have been exonerated by the FIA in the ongoing controversy surrounding F1 flexi-wings. According to the FIA, their investigation has found no violations of the regulations in this matter.

The FIA, the governing authority, has verified that no Formula 1 teams have violated the technical rules related to flexible wings.

A new controversy over flexible wings has arisen this season, with Red Bull and Ferrari raising concerns about how much other teams are stretching the rules. The front wings of Mercedes and McLaren have faced especially intense examination.

At the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA increased inspections, revealing that they would utilize comprehensive video footage to scrutinize team activities more closely and verify if the front wings adhered to regulations.

The FIA has announced that it is currently content with the results of its investigation.

An FIA announcement stated, "The FIA conducts thorough inspections of front wings at each event, checking for surface compliance and deflection adherence in line with the F1 Technical Regulations. At present, all front wings meet the requirements for the 2024 rules."

"Starting from the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA has been collecting extra information during the first and second practice sessions. This is done using an FIA-required video camera that records parts of the front wing that are not seen by the official FOM cameras."

This practice will persist at least until the Singapore event to guarantee each team has operated the required FIA camera on various track types, including those with low, medium, high, and very high downforce.

"This will create an extensive database that enables the FIA to form an impartial overview of the situation and measure the variations in the different dynamic behaviors seen on the track."

"Since no part is completely rigid, load-deflection tests are included in the regulations."

The front wing has consistently posed challenges over the years due to the fact that different competitors experience varying aerodynamic loading patterns. As a result, it is tough to identify a load vector that can accommodate all forms of front-wing designs.

"Different sections of the car, such as the rear wing and the edges of the floor, show more uniform aerodynamic loading across the entire field. This results in a more standardized load-deflection test."

"The FIA reserves the authority to implement new examinations if any discrepancies are suspected. While there are no immediate measures planned, we are currently assessing the scenario with consideration for future implications."

Red Bull and Ferrari to engage in discussions with FIA

As McLaren and Mercedes have shown better performance in recent months, Red Bull and Ferrari have grown increasingly doubtful. Both teams are pursuing further explanation regarding the legality of their competitors' front wings.

In an interview following the qualifying round at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, Helmut Marko, a motorsport advisor for Red Bull, mentioned to the Austrian broadcaster ORF that the front wings of McLaren and Mercedes need to be examined.

After Sunday's race, Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team, remarked: "Clearly, there's a test that needs to be passed, and then it's important to examine the specific language of the rules."

Reflecting on 2021, particularly around the Baku Grand Prix, there was an adjustment to the front wing rules. Despite our wing meeting the test requirements, it was taking advantage of a certain flexibility. This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the FIA, so we'll allow them to handle it.

When questioned about his opinion on Red Bull's position regarding the front wing designs of Mercedes and McLaren, Ferrari's team boss Fred Vasseur said, “I don't want to discuss this matter with you; I'll bring it up with [Nikolas] Tombazis.”

"However, we must honor the FIA's ruling. We will revisit the conversation and handle it internally with the FIA."

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