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FIA Tightens Rear Wing Regulations Ahead of Chinese Grand Prix

The FIA is implementing more stringent load deflection tests for Formula 1 rear wings during the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, as a proactive measure following insights gathered from the Australian Grand Prix.

This initiative aligns with the governing body’s efforts to prevent teams from taking advantage of aerodynamic elasticity in ways that could compromise competition integrity. Earlier this season, the FIA had signaled its intention to enhance load tests for both front and rear wings—a move that teams were made aware of during the off-season.

While enhanced testing for front wings is set to commence at the Spanish Grand Prix later in May, the revised rear wing protocols were already in place for the season opener in Australia. However, following a detailed analysis of race footage from Melbourne, the FIA has determined that further adjustments to rear wing regulations are necessary to curtail excessive wing flexing.

Specifically, the governing body will be reducing the maximum allowable slot gap width between the mainplane and the rear wing flap, decreasing it from 2mm to 0.5mm when subjected to a vertical load of 75kg. This adjustment aims to tighten the parameters under which teams operate their rear wing designs.

In its official statement, the FIA noted, “The FIA requested teams to utilize cameras during Free Practice Sessions to monitor the aerodynamic deformations of the cars during the Australian Grand Prix.” This data collection has provided the governing body with valuable insights into the characteristics of rear wing behavior at speed.

Further elaborating on the regulatory change, the FIA explained, “Based on the analysis of rear wing deformations, in conjunction with static deflection data collected within the FIA garage in Melbourne, we have determined that grounds exist for introducing a more rigorous test for the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix.” The revised regulations will now dictate that, per Article 3.15.17, effective from the Shanghai event, the allowable variation in the slot gap must not exceed 0.5mm under the same 75kg vertical load. To accommodate the time frame leading into the next race, a tolerance of 0.25mm on this new limit will be permitted.

Additionally, the FIA confirmed that all teams were notified of this decision on Monday morning and reassured that all cars were compliant with existing regulations during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

As teams prepare for the challenges in Shanghai, these modifications reflect the FIA’s commitment to maintaining equity and competitiveness within the sport.

Source
www.motorsport.com