Red Bull and Ferrari seek FIA clarity on flexi-wings amid McLaren, Mercedes concerns

Red Bull and Ferrari are set to engage in talks with the FIA to clarify the extent to which flexi-wings can be exploited in Formula 1, as concerns mount over designs from McLaren and Mercedes.

The topic of flexible aerodynamic components has been a persistent theme throughout the 2024 season, with teams increasingly viewing this area as crucial to addressing inherent balance issues plaguing the current generation of ground-effect cars.

Flexi-wing intrigue

The FIA initiated video checks of various designs at the Belgian Grand Prix in an effort to better understand teams' approaches.

This move was characterized as an information-gathering exercise rather than a hunt for rule breaches, with the ultimate goal of assessing whether current load tests remain fit for purpose.

While the governing body has repeatedly stated its disinterest in mid-season rule changes, preferring to address any concerns from 2025 onwards, recent developments have reignited the debate.

The surging performance of Mercedes and McLaren, coupled with intriguing onboard footage from the Italian Grand Prix showing wings flexing, rotating, and flapping, has prompted competitors to question whether these designs push the boundaries too far.

Seeking clarification

It is understood that both Ferrari and Red Bull, aware of the FIA's previous satisfaction with current cars, are keen to gain a clearer understanding from FIA technical chief Nikolas Tombazis regarding the precise limits of what is permissible.

This information could potentially inform their own development paths in this area.

Red Bull's motorsport advisor Helmut Marko voiced his concerns after qualifying at Monza, stating,

"The front wing of McLaren and Mercedes must be analysed."

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur, while reluctant to discuss the matter publicly, confirmed ongoing dialogue with the FIA.

"This is a discussion that I don't want to have with you, I will have it with Tombazis,"

Vasseur remarked.

"We have to respect the decision of the FIA. We will have, again, the discussion..."

Technical playground

The FIA has long grappled with controlling aerodynamic elasticity in F1, implementing static load tests to ensure compliance.

However, teams are acutely aware that passing these garage-based tests allows for additional flexibility on track.

Mercedes technical director James Allison previously addressed this issue, explaining,

"I think that all of us are trying to ensure that we pass the FIA's flexibility test. Provided you can do that and provided your wing is just bending like a thing bends when it has load on it, then there's no drama to be faced with the governing body."

Allison did, however, draw a distinction between natural flexing under load and designs specifically engineered to behave differently at set speeds.

"I don't think it would be legit to have a thing that does stuff at given speeds,"

he noted.

As the debate intensifies, all eyes will be on the FIA's response and whether it prompts a re-evaluation of the technical regulations governing wing flexibility.

With the competitive balance of the grid potentially at stake, the outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for the remainder of the 2024 season and beyond.