FIA does not exclude the possibility of 'dynamic' flexi-wing inspections.

FIA does not exclude the possibility of 'dynamic' flexi-wing inspections.

      "For the time being, it’s an experiment."

      The FIA is not dismissing the idea of implementing 'dynamic tests' to further regulate flexible wings in Formula 1. Nikolas Tombazis, the federation's single-seater chief based in Paris, has been busy over the weekend in Barcelona as strict new flexibility checks for McLaren-style pliable front wings were introduced. This has had minimal effect on the competitive order, with McLaren still securing the top two spots in qualifying. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his frustration, as quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport: "What a waste of money. Nothing has changed. Everyone’s wings are still bending—they're just getting halfway to the bending point now, and everyone has had to construct new wings and spend money to make them. It would have been better for everyone to donate the money to charity," said the Ferrari driver.

      Tombazis acknowledges that teams are still employing clever flexibility tactics even in Barcelona. "The teams arrived with more rigid wings and some aerodynamic updates," he shared with Sky Italia on Saturday. He admits that dynamic tests—assessments conducted by the FIA while cars are on the track—are now "a possibility." "First, we need to better understand the precision of the measurements," he added. "For now, we utilize dynamic tests to calibrate the static tests."

      Additionally, teams have been experimenting with new steel materials beneath the cars on the FIA’s behalf this weekend, replacing the usual spark-generating titanium. "For the time being, it’s an experiment," Tombazis remarked, "so it’s too early to make judgments. It is heavier, but the impact is the same for everyone. We believe fuel consumption remains similar." Some observers lament that the steel will not generate the same impressive sparks, but Tombazis clarified, "The goal is to use them only on tracks where there is an elevated fire risk."

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FIA does not exclude the possibility of 'dynamic' flexi-wing inspections.

Formula 1 | The FIA is considering the implementation of 'dynamic tests' to enforce stricter regulations on flexible wings in Formula 1. Nikolas Tombazis, based in Paris, (…)