The teams have played, now we start to get serious. If the various teams have always passed the static tests of the wings, now the FIA he wants to see clearly. For this reason in Spa, during the Belgian GP, there will be further tests to understand how regulate flexible wings, including a new technical directive, TD034G. One of the teams most under observation in this respect is McLaren, which has grown considerably in recent events. Precisely for this reason the other rival teams, especially Red Bull, want to see clearly and understand if there is a margin to regain control of the championship, clipping the wings of their opponents.
Flexible wings still the center of attention
Already last year, flexions and movements of the wings - especially the front one - were at the center of the cyclone, so much so that in Singapore the new technical directive DT018. The goal was precisely to narrow the interpretation of flexibility. Obviously this is a gray area of the regulation, since in any case a tolerance for bending must be granted. Now that may not be enough.
On the occasion of the Canadian GP, Helmut Marko returned to talk about the topic, suspecting that the Mercedes single-seaters had an evident bending of the wings. Just like in 2023. If initially the issue was dead in the bud, so much so that Aston Martin also went in this direction, now the FIA no longer stands by.
The new directive
In the two free practice sessions in Belgium some teams mounted wireless cameras in addition to those provided specifically for recording push-ups. 20 mm wide adhesive sights were also placed on the wings to serve as reference points. Specifically, they were applied to the side bulkheads and flaps as well as on the nose of the nose.
This is not a punitive check but, according to what was sent by Nikolas Tombazis - director of FIA single-seaters - the collection of data will allow us to evaluate whether to make changes to the regulations thanks to a greater understanding of the functioning of the wings in racing.
The technical directive, which will make its debut on the Spa weekend, will allow the Federation to evaluate whether the current static load tests are still sufficient or whether it will be necessary to introduce other tests or modify the current ones. “In more events starting from Spa, we want to monitor the front wings of all the teams with a camera that will be installed on the nose and which will offer us an important side view.” - the FIA announced – “The data collected will be used to improve understanding of the flexibility of the forewings, which will be useful in defining future moves.”
Under the magnifying glass are the main teams, potential suspects for this test. In any case you will not be allowed to evade controls. Unless there are circumstances of force majeure, they must remain mounted for more than 50% of the timed laps in a session.
What will happen next?
There is indeed an awareness that changes in the rules during the season can vary the power play, as happened for example in 2022 with the DT036 of which Ferrari was the victim. In a more competitive season than previous ones, there could be further upheavals, putting at risk what has been done in recent months.
Teams warned…
