How will the new front wing test work in the 2025 F1 season?
Following issues with the flexibility of certain aerodynamic parts, the governing body has now confirmed that the new season will include more stringent tests for the front and rear wing. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo explains the details of the new deformation test.
The new deflection tests will come into force in two steps. The stricter tests for the rear wings will be introduced at the start of the upcoming season, but the more stringent deflection tests on the front wings will be applied from the Spanish Grand Prix.
During several races that took place in the summer months in 2024, Formula One's governing body, the FIA performed additional checks of the flexibility of front wings, using video footage. The first round that saw the Paris-based body carry out a test was the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.
While the technical regulations allow a certain degree of flexibility of various aerodynamic parts, including the front wing, the FIA had felt that some teams had taken the 'flexi-wing' approach to extremes.
Having concluded its investigation, the governing body then confirmed after last season's Italian Grand Prix that no Formula One team was in breach of the technical regulations regarding their front wing designs.
Although the FIA previously indicated that they would not change their approach to testing regarding the flexibility of aerodynamic parts, it announced in January that it will clamp down on the manner in which Formula 1 teams can bend their wings in the new season.
"Following further analysis carried out by the FIA Single Seater Department after the conclusion of the 2024 season, we are committed to ensure that bodywork flexibility is no longer a point of contention for the 2025 season.
"As part of this effort, we will be increasing the scope of rear wing tests from the start of the 2025 season, and additional front wing tests being introduced from the Spanish GP.
"This phased approach allows teams to adapt without the need to discard existing components unnecessarily. These adjustments are aimed at further refining our ability to monitor and enforce bodywork flexibility regulations, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors to promote fair and exciting racing," the FIA noted on request from Motorsport.com.
The illustration published by rosario_giuliana_design shows that the new FIA technical checks on the wings that will come into force from the Spanish Grand Prix, a vertical force of 1000N will be applied simultaneously on both sides of the bodywork and a deviation of 10mm will be allowed.
The same weight will be then applied to just one side of the bodywork and a maximum flex of 15mm will be allowed. There will also be a flap check, where a force perpendicular to the surface of 60N will be applied, and the flap must not flex more than 3mm along the outboard.
