In a much-anticipated move, the FIA has introduced stricter rules for front wing flexibility, taking effect at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
The FIA’s technical directive TD018, aimed at curbing front wing flexibility, has come into play at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Teams must now meet more rigorous front-wing static load tests. This move follows a period of review where high-definition cameras monitored wing flexibility during 2024.
Previously, teams operated under the static load test standards from last season, allowing some flexibility. Throughout 2024, the FIA noticed certain teams, like McLaren, exploiting aerodynamic benefits from flexible wings, even though they passed legal tests. McLaren proactively adjusted its rear wing designs, but new regulations have since closed loopholes to minimize wing movement.
Recent adjustments to rear wing tests have lowered flexibility tolerances significantly, but the focus has now shifted to front wings. With the new tests, each side of the wing must withstand a 100kg load with minimal deflection. The flaps’ trailing edges must deflect by no more than 3mm under a 6kg load, a significant change from the earlier 5mm tolerance.
Nikolas Tombazis, FIA’s single-seater director, explained that intense competition prompted the tougher tests. He noted that while new measures initially seemed excessive, deferred enforcement offered teams a practical adjustment period.
The adjustments are hailed as a game-changer by some in the paddock, including Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur, who emphasized that all teams are re-evaluating their front wing designs under these new constraints. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Christian Horner acknowledged the impact, albeit with uncertainty about which teams might benefit or struggle under the updated rules.
Over the remaining races, FIA inspectors will rigorously verify compliance with the new standards, conducting checks in parc fermé conditions to ensure teams run legal components throughout the race weekend.
The FIA’s proactive stance aims to keep testing methods aligned with evolving team strategies, ensuring fairness and maintaining competitive balance across the grid.
Teams now face the critical task of adapting to these new regulations, which promise to shape the competition at future races. As the Spanish Grand Prix unveils these changes, the spotlight will be on how teams respond to the updated requirements. The FIA remains committed to adjusting testing protocols as necessary to uphold the integrity of the sport.
