The FIA has officially confirmed that all 2024 Formula 1 front wings currently in use are fully compliant with the governing body’s regulations, following concerns raised by Ferrari and Red Bull over the legality of McLaren and Mercedes’ designs. These concerns emerged after onboard footage from the Italian Grand Prix revealed noticeable flexing in the front wings of the McLaren and Mercedes cars.
In response to these concerns, the FIA has been closely monitoring front wing movement since the Belgian Grand Prix, utilizing specialized cameras to assess the dynamics of these components. However, the FIA clarified that this monitoring has been purely for data collection, rather than an investigation aimed at imposing penalties on any teams.
The FIA’s ongoing assessment, which includes detailed checks on the conformity and deflection of surfaces, has so far found all front wings to be in line with the 2024 regulations. The governing body emphasized that any changes to the regulations, if deemed necessary, would not be implemented until the 2025 season at the earliest.
The practice of introducing controlled flex in aerodynamic components, known as aeroelasticity, has long been a focus for engineers seeking to optimize performance within the rules. By allowing a small degree of flex in the front wings, teams can manage drag and balance, especially under the current regulations that reintroduced ground-effect aerodynamics.
In its statement, the FIA outlined the specifics of the regulations, noting that while no component can be completely rigid, the rules allow for minimal deflection under load. According to Article 3.15.5 of the 2024 technical regulations, the front wing’s trailing edge may deflect by no more than 5mm under a 60N load.
The FIA also acknowledged the challenges in standardizing tests for front wings due to the varying aerodynamic loads between teams, unlike more consistent areas like the rear wing and floor edges. While the FIA retains the authority to introduce new tests if irregularities are detected, there are currently no plans for immediate changes.
The ongoing monitoring process, which will continue through the Singapore Grand Prix, is aimed at gathering a comprehensive database of front wing behavior across different track types. This will inform any future decisions regarding potential regulatory adjustments, ensuring fairness and safety across the grid.
For now, teams can rest assured that their current front wing designs are deemed legal, but the FIA’s vigilance suggests that any exploitation of flex beyond the intended limits will be carefully scrutinized in the future.
