The FIA is cracking down on rear wing flexibility, introducing stricter limits at the Chinese GP to curb performance loopholes and maintain fairness.
The FIA is stepping up its scrutiny of Formula 1 rear wings, introducing stricter flexibility tests starting this weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix.
After reviewing data from the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the governing body has decided to take immediate action to counter the so-called “mini-DRS” effect. This move follows a previous announcement of stricter front wing tests set to debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
What’s Changing?
Currently, rear wings are tested by applying a 75 kg vertical load to each side of the main plane, with a maximum allowable deflection of 2 mm. Under the new regulations taking effect this weekend in Shanghai, that limit is being slashed to just 0.5 mm—a fourfold reduction in tolerance!
To allow teams a brief adjustment period, the FIA has granted a temporary tolerance of 0.25 mm for this race only. From the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka—the third race of the season—this tolerance will be removed entirely.
Who’s in the Spotlight?
McLaren appears to be the team under the closest scrutiny, particularly after raising eyebrows at Red Bull during pre-season testing in Bahrain and again in Melbourne.
However, the FIA has made it clear that all cars passed the existing tests during the Australian Grand Prix. The new regulations simply tighten the rules moving forward, ensuring teams stay within the spirit of fair competition.
With these tougher checks in place, expect teams to react swiftly as they tweak their setups to comply. Will this shake up the grid? We’ll find out in Shanghai!
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F1 Rear Wings Under Fire: FIA Cracks Down in Shanghai F1 Rear Wings Under Fire: FIA Cracks Down in Shanghai
