The FIA today announced that a stricter Formula 1 rear wing deflection test will be introduced from the Chinese Grand Prix onwards, following an analysis of data gathered during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.
During Free Practice sessions in Melbourne, teams were required to use cameras to monitor the on-track deformations of their cars. After reviewing the footage alongside static deflection tests conducted in the FIA garage, the governing body concluded that there were sufficient grounds to implement a more stringent test on the upper rear wing at the next event in Shanghai.
The FIA confirmed that all cars raced in Melbourne in compliance with the regulations:
“As has been previously communicated, between the end of the 2024 season and the start of the 2025 season, the FIA exercised the authority it is granted under Article 3.15.1 of the Technical Regulations to introduce either new or more challenging load-deflection tests for the front wing (from Race 9, Spanish Grand Prix), the upper rear wing, and the beam rear wing.”
From the Chinese Grand Prix the limit will be reduced to 0.5mm
The FIA statement added: “In addition, the FIA requested the teams to use cameras in Free Practice Sessions to monitor the on-track deformations exhibited by the cars during the Australian Grand Prix.
“Having analysed 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.”
Under the revised test, Article 3.15.17 stipulates that if 75kg of vertical load is applied to either extremity of the rear wing mainplane, the distance between the mainplane and the flap (also known as the ‘slot gap’) must not vary by more than 2mm. From the Chinese Grand Prix, this limit will be reduced to 0.5mm.
However, due to the short notice, a tolerance of 0.25mm will be permitted in Shanghai. Teams were formally notified of the revised test on Monday, 17 March.
The FIA reiterated that all cars tested in Melbourne complied with Article 3.15.17: “The FIA wishes to further confirm that during the Melbourne event all cars tested against the requirements of Article 3.15.17 and were found to comply, therefore all cars raced in Melbourne were deemed to be legal.”
The Chinese Grand Prix will take place from 21-23 March.
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