It’s a subtle change, but one with significant consequences: starting from the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, front wings must now meet stricter rigidity criteria. The FIA is implementing this tightening under articles 3.15.4 and 3.15.5 of the technical regulations, with more demanding mechanical tests.<\/p>\n
-Une force verticale de 1000 N est d\u00e9sormais tol\u00e9r\u00e9e pour une d\u00e9formation de 15 mm au lieu de 20 mm.<\/p>\n
-Avec deux charges sym\u00e9triques de 1000 N, la d\u00e9formation maximale passe de 15 mm \u00e0 10 mm.<\/p>\n
-Enfin, une force de 60 N appliqu\u00e9e sur les flaps sup\u00e9rieurs ne devra plus provoquer plus de 3 mm de flexion, contre 5 mm auparavant.<\/p>\n
This latest test is the most revealing, according to experts, as onboard cameras have often shown the upper flaps lowering at high speed and then rising during braking, an aeroelastic behavior that actively alters the car’s behavior, despite the regulations.<\/p>\n
This tightening is no surprise. For a year, flexible wings have flourished in the paddock with a specific goal: to generate downforce at low speed without penalizing the car at high speed, where an excess load can lead to oversteer or drag.<\/p>\n
Engineers have therefore developed solutions that subtly flex according to speed, exploiting the mechanical properties of carbon. These parts were not mobile in the strict sense, which allowed them to pass the FIA tests in force until now. However, sensors and cameras used since Spa 2024 have highlighted excessive deformations, particularly on the flaps.<\/p>\n
Some teams like Red Bull and Ferrari have even approached the FIA multiple times, convinced that rivals were taking advantage of regulatory grey areas to gain performance.<\/p>\n
This new framework could do more harm than good to certain teams. Those that have heavily invested in aeroelasticity, such as Mercedes or McLaren, may need to significantly modify the design of their front wings.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, Red Bull and Ferrari, which have retained stiffer solutions, should be less affected or even advantaged in the short term. Although most engineers assure that their equipment is compliant, the margin of maneuver is reduced, and the teams will have to prove their good faith in the face of more intrusive tests.<\/p>\n
According to the FIA, the teams had three months to adapt their designs, a timeframe considered sufficient. But in a discipline where every millimeter counts, this evolution could impact the overall balance of the cars.<\/p>\n
On the surface, nothing seems to change. But beneath the exteriors, the ultra-precise world of aerodynamics is undergoing a transformation. This measure, imposed after months of monitoring, could challenge certain balances. And it might, perhaps, offer an opportunity to the most rigorous teams. On a track as comprehensive as Barcelona’s, the technical truth will be revealed in the lap times and in the dust raised by those who poorly anticipated.<\/p>\n
\nCe WE l\u00e0 nouvelle TD sur les ailerons avant entre en vigueur<\/p>\n
C’est quitte ou double soit on s’en tire pas trop mal avec notre nouvel aileron additionn\u00e9 au reste du package qui arrive \u00e0 Barcelone <\/p>\n
Soit on se fait foudroy\u00e9 par la TD et la saison va \u00eatre longue#F1<\/a> #SpanishGP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/nT4EzPkG2U<\/a><\/p>\n