Wings and their flexibility are once again at the center of discussions in F1. Questions about flexible wings are notably raised by Red Bull, who have reportedly contacted the FIA. Ferrari senior engineer Jock Clear says working on wing flexibility is inevitable as it can help exploit the regulations.
“There’s no doubt you have to do it to be fast, if you know what I mean” Clear said. “Everything that is possible within the rules is what we are exploring. So there is no difference between a front wing, a rear wing, a floor or anything else. It’s about simply a development.”
Toto Wolff agrees that teams need to approach the limits, but also sees solutions elsewhere: “The front wings play an important role today, that’s clear. Aero elasticity plays an important role, but so do the floors. I think it’s always a combination of those things.”
“You can have a front wing that flexes like a banana and passes the test, but the rest of the car doesn’t work properly in the interaction. I think everyone is trying to push the limits and respect the regulations. “
“I think what we’ve managed to do in the last three races is take a big step, with all the aero stuff that’s come since. Maybe we’ve just been at the other end of what we should have been as far as fenders, floors and all that.”
Helmut Marko spoke to Kleine Zeitung on this subject, explaining that the deformation is undeniable on the opposing cars. According to him, it is especially at high speed that doubts remain: “Mercedes has undoubtedly progressed, particularly in terms of top speed, just like McLaren.”
“This maximum speed can only be achieved if the wings are aerodynamically deformed. It appears that Mercedes and McLaren have a front wing that complies with the regulations, as it has passed technical inspection. But at the speed of the race, it deforms much more than the regulations require.”
Despite Red Bull’s questions, Marko doesn’t think his competitors are doing anything illegal: “It’s certainly not illegal, it’s just about pushing the limits. It’s an eternal competition between the teams and the FIA. We haven’t contacted the FIA for information.”
