MERCEDES FRONT WING UNDER FIA INVESTIGATION AFTER COMPLAINTS
Mercedes is under investigation by the FIA following concerns about its front wing design. Reports say that Ferrari has asked the FIA for clarification about the legality of Mercedes’ wing, which uses what is being called a “two-phase closure system.”
These questions arose after the Chinese Grand Prix, where the car’s performance raised suspicions among rival teams.
Ferrari believes that Mercedes may have designed the wing to bypass the sensors that monitor compliance with the rules. According to reports by Autoracer.it, the system splits the wing’s movement into two stages, making it harder for routine FIA checks to detect any potential rule breaches.
Rival teams have said that even small innovations in aerodynamics can create significant advantages, making any regulatory ambiguity a major point of concern.
The system works in two steps. In the first step, the wing moves quickly in the first 400 milliseconds. During this short period, the FIA sensors register the wing as fully closed, even though it has not yet reached its final position.
Then, a slower second phase completes the full closure, allowing the wing to reach its intended aerodynamic shape without being recorded by the sensors. This clever timing could potentially improve the car’s speed and handling, especially in high-speed corners.
It is not yet clear how much of an advantage this system gives Mercedes, or whether the FIA will consider it legal under current regulations. The governing body will review the design carefully to decide if it complies with the technical rules, and Mercedes may be asked to provide explanations or even modify the component if required.
The investigation has drawn attention from fans and analysts, as it could affect the competitive balance in Formula 1. As the FIA reviews the case, teams will be watching closely, knowing that the outcome could influence car development and race results for the rest of the season.
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