FIA to install cameras to monitor front wings at Belgian Grand Prix

Although all Formula 1 teams usually respect the rules regarding the flexibility of the front wings, it is possible that some teams have managed to avoid a penalty. On this occasion, the FIA wishes to take a closer look at the cars racing on the grid. Several cars will be equipped with cameras during Friday’s practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps to record the movement of the front wings under race conditions.

The videos will then be analyzed to determine whether or not the single-seater complies with the design rules.

A preventive measure

This measure follows doubts that some teams could exploit the flexibility of the wing to gain an advantage in aerodynamics. Hardware modifications that are prohibited by the federation. With high-resolution cameras provided by the FIA, director Nikolas Tombazis hopes to clarify the situation. Teams may also have to provide additional information, such as the settings of the front wing flaps, to allow for a more detailed analysis.

According to the information collected, only a few cars on the grid will be recorded due to the limited number of cameras available. At the moment, the FIA has not specified who should undergo these tests, but there is no doubt that it will mainly concern the front of the constructor championship.

While some may consider reverting to old specifications due to tests not being conducted under Parc Fermé conditions, the FIA has specified that cameras must be installed for more than 50% of the timed laps of each Free Practice session, except in case of vehicle damage or technical issues. Recordings will then be analyzed to verify the movements and rotations of the wings. They will also be made available to all teams.

All recordings must be submitted no later than one hour after the end of Free Practice 2.

A procedure requested by the teams

This season, several teams have requested the FIA to analyze the teams’ practice regarding the flexion of the front wings. So far, this flexion has been monitored during static tests, but the parameters in the race and the ground effect can quickly increase the importance of a high flexibility for the balance of the cars. This could give an advantage to certain teams. The FIA is thus seeking to determine whether the current rules are being followed or if some teams have instead exceeded the permitted limits.

Since the technical specifications are not very clear on the subject, in case of non-compliance with the rules, the FIA will change the regulations for the coming months.

The FIA initiative therefore allows us to observe the use of front wings by the different teams in order to adjust our judgment. This additional monitoring during the Belgian Grand Prix aims to ensure fair competition by assessing the car’s performance under race conditions.