Rome, Sept 4: The FIA, Formula One’s governing body, has addressed recent concerns regarding the front wings of McLaren and Mercedes cars. On Tuesday, the FIA confirmed that all teams comply with the current regulations after recent scrutiny from Ferrari and Red Bull Racing.
Following Ferrari’s victory at the Italian Grand Prix, where the team used a strategic tyre strategy to overcome McLaren’s front-row lockout, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing expressed concerns about the flexibility of the front wings on the McLaren and Mercedes cars. Although no formal objections were lodged, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko and team principal Christian Horner questioned the compliance of these wings and suggested a review of the regulatory wording.
McLaren, which has shown significant improvement this season and now sits just eight points behind Red Bull in the constructors’ standings, and Mercedes, which has won three races this season, were the focus of these concerns.
In response, the FIA’s technical department reassured that all front wings have passed inspection and comply with the 2024 regulations. The FIA has implemented additional checks using on-board video cameras during practice sessions to monitor wing movement and ensure adherence to the rules. This monitoring will continue through to the Singapore Grand Prix on September 22.
The FIA acknowledged the ongoing challenges with aerodynamic loading patterns across different teams and tracks. While the governing body retains the authority to introduce new tests if necessary, no immediate changes are planned. The FIA is focusing on gathering comprehensive data to assess the situation and ensure fair competition.
The Singapore Grand Prix, the 18th of the 24-race season, will follow the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on September 15.