Mercedes and McLaren Cleared in Flexi-Wing Saga: FIA Confirms No Rule Violations Amid F1 Controversy

Mercedes and McLaren found compliant by FIA amidst continuing F1 flexi-wing controversy

The FIA has confirmed that there have been no violations of the rules during the continuing investigation into the recent controversy surrounding F1's flexi-wings.

The FIA, the regulatory authority for Formula 1, has verified that no team has violated the technical rules related to flexi-wings.

The newest controversy surrounding flexible wings has surfaced this season, with Red Bull and Ferrari raising concerns about the extent to which competitors are stretching the rules. The front wings of Mercedes and McLaren have specifically been the focus of attention.

The FIA increased inspections at the Belgian Grand Prix, stating that they would utilize detailed video footage to more thoroughly investigate the activities of the teams and to ensure that the front wings' behavior aligned with the regulations.

The FIA has announced that it is content with the results of its investigation up to this point.

"The FIA is conducting thorough inspections of front wings at each event, implementing various tests (surface compliance, deflection compliance) in accordance with the applicable F1 Technical Regulation. According to an FIA statement, all front wings currently meet the 2024 regulations."

Following the Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA has gathered more information in the FP1 and FP2 sessions to evaluate the dynamics via a specific video camera required by the FIA. This camera records parts of the front wing that the official FOM cameras do not cover.

The activity is set to persist at least until reaching Singapore, guaranteeing that each team has operated the required FIA camera across various track categories (low, medium, high, and very high downforce).

"This guarantees the creation of an extensive database, enabling the FIA to form the most accurate representation of the scenario and measure the variations among the diverse dynamic behaviors seen on the track.

"Due to the fact that no part is completely rigid, regulations include tests that measure how loads cause materials to bend."

Over the years, the design of the front wing has posed considerable challenges due to the diversity in aerodynamic load patterns among various competitors. This variation makes it hard to identify a single load vector that is effective for all front-wing designs.

Different sections of the vehicle, such as the back wing and the edges of the floor, exhibit much steadier patterns of aerodynamic pressure across various teams, allowing for a more standardized test of how the load affects the car's shape.

"The FIA possesses the authority to implement new examinations should there be suspicions of inconsistencies. Currently, there are no immediate actions being planned; however, the situation is under review with considerations for both the medium and long-term future."

Red Bull and Ferrari to engage in discussions with FIA

Amidst the enhanced performance of McLaren and Mercedes lately, Red Bull and Ferrari have raised doubts, persistently asking for clear explanations regarding the compliance of their competitors’ front wings.

Following the qualification round at the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, Red Bull's motorsport consultant Helmut Marko expressed to Austrian broadcaster ORF that there's a need to scrutinize the front wings of both McLaren and Mercedes.

After Sunday's competition, Christian Horner, the principal of the Red Bull team, mentioned, "Clearly, there's an examination you must succeed in, and subsequently, you need to examine the phrasing of the rules.

"Recalling the events of 2021, particularly during the Baku period, there was an alteration made to the regulations governing the front wing. Despite our wing meeting the testing standards, it was taking advantage of a certain flexibility. This matter falls under the jurisdiction of the FIA; we'll let them handle it."

When questioned about his viewpoint on Red Bull's opinion regarding the front wing of Mercedes and McLaren, Ferrari's team leader Fred Vasseur said, “I prefer not to discuss this matter with you. I'll talk about it with [Nikolas] Tombazis.

"However, we must acknowledge the FIA's ruling. We will engage in further conversations. It's essential that we address this matter internally with the FIA."

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