FIA to step up scrutiny of flexible wings at Belgian GP
The FIA is set to take a closer look at the front wings being used by teams, with a selection of cars set to carry cameras during practice sessions at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
The move comes amid growing suspicion that some outfits are exploiting a loophole in the current wing flexibility tests.
The FIA's regulations require all wings to pass a static load test. While no irregularities have been noted, there is reportedly evidence to suggest that certain designs can clear this test while still flexing significantly when a car is moving at high speeds.
This allows a car to benefit from increased downforce at lower speeds for better cornering, while also reducing drag at higher speeds for a potential top speed advantage.
Television footage has shown that this practice of exploiting wing flexibility appears to be commonplace across multiple teams.
“I think that all of us are trying to ensure that we pass the FIA's flexibility test,” commented Mercedes technical director, James Allison, whose team introduced in Monaco a new front wing that has significantly helped its car’s performance.
“They put loads on, and you've got to not move by more than an amount.
“But 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.”
The key seems to lie in how the wings are constructed, with teams potentially manipulating the carbon weave pattern to achieve the desired bending effect under real-world driving conditions.
Ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the FIA issued Technical Directive TD034G outlining their increased focus on monitoring wing flexibility.
During the opening two practice sessions at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, selected cars will be equipped with cameras specifically designed to monitor the behavior of the front wing endplate and other vertical surfaces.
This data-gathering exercise, authorized by the FIA, will shed light on the extent of wing flexibility across the grid.
With Formula 1 working on refining the technical regulations for 2026, which include the introduction of moveable aerodynamic devices, the data from Belgium could have a significant impact on how the sport’s new regulations are formulated.
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The post FIA to step up scrutiny of flexible wings at Belgian GP appeared first on F1i.com.