FIA downplays the dispute over Mercedes' 'two-phase' wing.

      "It was unintentional and definitely not an advantage."

      The FIA has sought to ease the controversy surrounding Mercedes' so-called "two-phase" front wing, asserting that the matter is minor and not deserving of formal action. The system gained attention following the Chinese GP when Ferrari questioned whether the shift between straight-line and cornering modes happened in two phases instead of one smooth motion. In response, Mercedes made adjustments before Suzuka, with drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli both claiming that the behavior was unintentional and provided no benefit. "It was unintentional and certainly not an advantage. In fact, it was a problem," Russell stated, clarifying that the wing could still be open during braking. Antonelli concurred that it was "a malfunction that actually caused us problems, not advantages."

      Now, FIA single-seater technical director Nikolas Tombazis has supported that perspective. "Regarding minor inconsistencies, we don’t immediately direct orders to the stewards," he explained to Italy’s Formula Passion. "In the instance of the Mercedes wing, it did not offer an advantage and was not deliberate. It was a mechanical issue, similar to those faced by other teams." Tombazis noted that the FIA prefers to address such issues directly with teams to prevent unnecessary escalation. "If we are confident that there is no intent, we work to resolve such matters collaboratively with the teams, rather than escalating them to the stewards, to avoid setting precedents for minor issues." He also mentioned that the reaction in the paddock was exaggerated. "Since it was noticeable, everyone immediately paid attention, and there was a lot of commotion. However, it wasn’t worth the fuss."