The FIA will not react to the McLaren wings due to a lack of time
F1. McLaren and Mercedes have been strongly criticized for the flexibility of their front wings. Despite requests for inspection from Red Bull and Ferrari, the FIA director clarified that the organization would not take action before 2025, as implementing new changes would take too long.
After the Italian Grand Prix, McLaren and Mercedes were pointed out by other teams in the paddock. Scrutinized closely due to the flexibility of their front wings, the FIA confirmed that all elements of the four cars were compliant. While the story could have ended there, Nikolas Tombazis, director of the FIA, explained why McLaren and the other teams would not be penalized this year.
A tricky situation and a unclear settlement.
If it's not new, the debate on the front wings and their flexibility has resurfaced at the Italian Grand Prix. According to the analysis of the images of the front wings by other teams, those of McLaren and Mercedes seemed to flex too much. Rival teams, such as Red Bull and Ferrari, had called on the FIA to inspect the cars, due to the particularly impressive results of the MCL38 and the W15. Earlier in the year, the regulatory body had already indicated that it would carry out video captures to review the technical regulations of Formula 1 on this subject.
Despite these concerns, the fins of both teams passed the FIA's resistance tests. This means that they comply with the rules set for 2024. After reviewing the videos carefully, no action was taken to penalize the two teams. However, the FIA reserves the right to conduct a new investigation if there are suspicions. Following this decision, other teams in the paddock have hinted that the outcome was not what they expected. A new controversy to which the organization has already responded. The general director explained that given the different ways to design these fins, this part of the car was particularly difficult to regulate. On the other hand, the decision seems to have been influenced by another factor.
A change, but not for this season
During his interview with Auto, Motor und Sport, Nikolas Tombazis revealed the reason why no action had been taken after the investigation. If initially the wings were compliant, he also confirmed that the FIA would not react to this type of situation before 2025 at the earliest. In the event that rule changes would affect aerodynamics, it would also have an impact on other parts of the car. « Not only would this impact aerodynamics, but also the structure of the components. », he stated. « Even if we were to announce a new rule today, the teams would not be ready before Abu Dhabi. »
Introducing new regulations at this point in the season would leave teams unable to implement new elements for the final race in Abu Dhabi. Although there are still eight Grand Prix races starting from Monza, it is only by early December that the project will have to be completed. While some teams are already struggling to keep up, this could give other teams that have almost finished their car for the season a head start. Cars like McLaren's, which have already undergone major modifications in Zandvoort, would therefore have more time to see the arrival of new wings.
A fault in the regulations
This decision leaves the current McLaren and Mercedes fins intact for the rest of the season. However, this also means that other teams, like Red Bull, could try to adopt similar approaches to remain competitive. The Austrian team, currently struggling with the balance of their car, could see an option here. Christian Horner, who had complained about the situation, hinted that if the FIA did not take action, his team might want to follow suit. « If it's acceptable, then you have to get on board », he had said after the Italian Grand Prix.
However, the budget cap imposed by the FIA could prevent Red Bull from making such changes this season. With already an apparent delay in the last few weekends, the reigning world champion team would struggle to keep up with the pace. For now, the controversy surrounding the flexibility of the wings puts the FIA in a difficult position. Despite pressure from the biggest teams, the organization must take into consideration all participants in the championship. So, there is little chance that the next regulation will appear by the end of 2024.
