Breaking: FIA announce OFFICIAL decision over ongoing controversy about…read more
FIA announce OFFICIAL decision over ongoing controversy about…read more
The FIA has officially addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding flexible front wings in Formula 1, providing clarity on its stance after a series of concerns raised during the 2024 season. Teams such as Ferrari and Red Bull questioned the flexibility of the front wings on rival cars, specifically those of Mercedes and McLaren. This led to the FIA introducing monitoring cameras from the Belgian Grand Prix onward to closely observe the situation.
After conducting a thorough investigation, the FIA concluded that there was no issue with the front wings of Mercedes and McLaren, as long as they complied with the established flex testing procedures. The governing body emphasized that the investigation’s primary purpose was to gather data and inform potential changes to future regulations, rather than penalize any teams. Although the debate over the performance advantages of flexible wings continues, the FIA found no immediate reason to take action.
In a more recent statement, the FIA confirmed its position regarding the future of front wing flexibility regulations. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s head of single-seater matters, made it clear that no changes would be made to the current flex testing procedures for the 2025 season. Tombazis explained to Autosport that the FIA is generally satisfied with the current testing methods, though he acknowledged the challenges involved in ensuring these tests accurately reflect the forces acting on the front wings during races.
One of the key difficulties highlighted by Tombazis is that the load distribution on front wings varies significantly between different cars, making it challenging to design a universal test that can replicate the conditions each car faces on track. The current FIA testing method involves measuring the deformation of wings under load in specific directions and positions, which has worked effectively for earlier wing designs. However, as front wing technology evolves, the complexity of their behavior on track increases, complicating the task of creating a one-size-fits-all test.
Despite these challenges, Tombazis emphasized that while the tests may not be perfect, they are designed to simulate real-world conditions as closely as possible. This approach ensures that both fairness and safety are maintained in the sport. Ultimately, the FIA has decided to maintain the existing flexi-wing regulations for the 2025 season, confirming that no changes will be made to the current testing procedures.
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