Frustrated FIA implements stricter rear wing tests for Chinese GP

In the wake of mounting frustration over F1 teams pushing the boundaries of aerodynamic regulations, the FIA has announced another clampdown on rear wing flexibility ahead of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

The move comes after suspicions of potential mini-DRS abuse arose during last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, sparking renewed scrutiny from the sport’s governing body whose patience appears to be running thin.

What began as a subtle warning shot over the off-season has now escalated into a full-blown crackdown, with the FIA determined to stamp out any clever exploitation of its rules.

Tougher Tests After Australian Grand Prix Footage

The FIA has been tightening regulations on aerodynamic elasticity since the off-season, with stricter load deflection tests initially set for both front and rear wings.

While the enhanced front wing tests will not come into force until the Spanish Grand Prix at the end of May, stricter rear wing controls were already in effect in Melbourne last weekend.

However, having analyzed footage from Australia, the FIA concluded that some teams were still exploiting rear wing flexing beyond acceptable limits.

In a decisive move, the FIA has introduced even tougher standards for the Shanghai race, reducing the maximum slot gap width between the mainplane and rear wing flap from 2mm to just 0.5mm when subjected to a 75kg vertical load.

FIA's Frustration with Rule Exploitation

The FIA’s decision reflects a growing sense of frustration within the organization over teams' persistent attempts to circumvent regulations.

The governing body had already requested that teams use cameras during Free Practice Sessions in Australia to capture on-track deformations. After meticulously reviewing both the footage and static deflections recorded in the FIA garage, it became clear that some teams were still finding ways to game the system.

In a statement, the FIA expressed its determination to stamp out such practices:

“Having analyzed footage from the rear wing deformations combined with the static deflections measured inside the FIA garage in Melbourne, the FIA has concluded that sufficient grounds exist for a tougher test to be introduced from the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix on the upper rear wing.”

Short Notice Tolerance for Shanghai

Due to the late notice of the rule change, the FIA has opted to grant a tolerance of 0.25mm for this weekend’s race, allowing teams a brief adjustment period. All teams were informed of the decision on Monday morning, and the FIA clarified that no car was found to be in violation of the previous limits during the Australian Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, the message from the FIA is clear: any attempts to exploit aerodynamic elasticity will be met with swift and decisive action.

As the Formula 1 paddock arrives in Shanghai, teams must adapt to the new regulations or risk falling foul of the sport’s ever-tightening technical standards.

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