F1 teams challenge McLaren"s front wing legality with FIA statement
- Red Bull, Ferrari, and Williams questioned the legality of McLaren's front wings with the FIA after noticing unusual movement during high-speed runs.
- The FIA has been monitoring front wing flexion using specialized cameras since the Belgian Grand Prix to ensure compliance with regulations.
- All front wings are currently compliant with the 2024 regulations, and the FIA is evaluating the situation for potential future measures.
Several Formula 1 teams, including Red Bull, Ferrari, and Williams, raised concerns regarding the legality of McLaren's front wings with the FIA. These suspicions were initially sparked during the Zandvoort race when Red Bull's Christian Horner noted that McLaren's front wing angles appeared significantly different from those of other teams. The situation escalated after footage from Lando Norris' car during practice at Monza showed unusual movement of the front wing at high speeds, leading rival teams to question compliance with regulations. In response to these complaints, the FIA has been actively monitoring the flexion of front wings across all teams since the Belgian Grand Prix. They have employed specialized cameras to gather data on the dynamic behavior of front wings during practice sessions, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of their performance under various conditions. This initiative aims to create a robust database that will help the FIA objectively assess any discrepancies in wing performance. The FIA has acknowledged the inherent challenges in establishing universal load-deflection tests for front wings due to varying aerodynamic loading patterns among different teams. While other components of the car, such as the rear wing and floor edges, exhibit more consistent loading patterns, front wings present unique difficulties in regulation enforcement. Currently, the FIA has confirmed that all front wings comply with the 2024 regulations and has no immediate plans for new tests. However, they are committed to evaluating the situation in the medium and long term, maintaining vigilance for any irregularities that may arise in the future.