FIA tightens Formula 1 rear wing flex tests ahead of Chinese GP
The FIA will enforce stricter rear wing flexibility tests at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix following analysis of wing deformations observed during the Australian Grand Prix.
F1 car racing at high speed
The new regulations focus specifically on the gap between wing flaps that opens during DRS activation. The acceptable variance under static load testing will be reduced from 2mm to 0.5mm, with a 0.25mm tolerance added due to short notice for Shanghai.
This change follows the FIA's increased scrutiny of what has been dubbed 'mini-DRS' towards the end of the 2024 season. The governing body has already implemented rear-facing cameras during practice sessions to monitor wing deformation at various speeds.
The modification falls under Article 3.15.1 of the Technical Regulations, with teams receiving notification on Monday following the Australian Grand Prix. The FIA confirms that while all cars tested in Melbourne complied with previous requirements and were legal, this tightening of regulations aims to prevent teams from exploiting wing flexibility for aerodynamic advantage.
The changes align with previously announced tougher front wing tests scheduled for the Spanish Grand Prix later this season. These updates represent the FIA's ongoing efforts to ensure fair competition and prevent teams from finding loopholes in aerodynamic regulations.