Explained: Why FIA are taking back seat on McLaren and Mercedes front wings

The FIA will not intervene this season on the Mercedes and McLaren front wing concerns coming from the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari, said single seater director Nikolas Tombazis, as it is “obvious” it will impact aerodynamics and more…

After starting F1 2024 in their familiar dominant fashion, Red Bull has since been caught by the chasing pack, McLaren joined by Mercedes and Ferrari in entering that conversation at the front. However, Red Bull and Ferrari has sounded the alarm over the front wing being used at Mercedes and McLaren.

If FIA acts, ‘2025 at the earliest’
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher and Sam Cooper

Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko first called for an analysis of the MCL38 and W15 front wings, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner telling media including PlanetF1.com: “If it’s acceptable, then you have to join it.”

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur, meanwhile, told media including PlanetF1.com: “This is a discussion that I don’t want to have with you [laughs]. I will have it with Tombazis.

“But we have to respect the decision of the FIA, that we’ll have again the discussion.”

As for what Tombazis has had to say on the matter, despite the concerns from Red Bull and Ferrari, with Williams understood to also be unhappy with the situation, the FIA will not be implementing any changes this season.

“We won’t react until 2025 at the earliest, if necessary,” Tombazis told Auto Motor und Sport.

Revisited: When McLaren ‘fiddle brake’ fell to FIA in-season rule change.

There are numerous factors to take into account when implementing a regulation change, including aerodynamics and components.    Tombazis explained that the reason for this is clear.  

He stated that it would affect both aerodynamics and the structure of the components.    With only eight rounds left in the F1 2024 season, time is a crucial factor as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which marks the end of the season, is scheduled for 8 December.    Tombazis mentioned that even if a new rule were announced today, the teams would not be prepared before Abu Dhabi.   

The FIA implemented a new technical directive before the Belgian Grand Prix to better monitor the front-wing flexibility with high-resolution cameras and tracking dots.

All teams successfully passed the current checks and load tests.    Following the initial weeks of examinations, the FIA mentioned in a statement that the front wing has been a difficult aspect over the years.   However, according to Tombazis’ announcement, there are currently no immediate actions planned.