Last Updated on December 30 2024, 3:55 pm

The main bone of contention which ran through much of the 2024 Formula One season was a paddock debate over the use of flexi-wings. Red Bull have been accused of deploying such a trick in 2023, but it was McLaren and Mercedes who’re identified by others this year as potential culprits of using a similar trick as early as round six at the Miami Grand Prix.

The FIA took the matter under consideration, meanwhile Ferrari and Red Bull waited for the governing body’s ruling not wishing to wast time and resource on something they believed would be banned. Yet it was some nine weeks before the FIA settled on a course of action, which would take place at the Belgium Grand Prix.

“The FIA has decided, starting from Belgium onward for an indefinite period of time, to measure the overall front wing deformation on track,” a spokesperson declared. “The FOM forward-facing cameras are unfortunately not capable of capturing the complete front wing as a large outboard part is not covered by the angle.

 

 

 

FIA delay tests for flexi-wings

“The intent will therefore be to measure across several events all front wings with a camera provided by the FIA which will be installed on the nose (in place of current camera housings) offering a sideways view. The collected data will be used to enhance the overall understanding of bodywork flexibility when defining future regulations,” the statement concluded.

The FIA confirmed at that time that all wings tested this season had in fact the standard FIA deflection tests. Then it became clear no action was to be taken despite the cameras appearing to show extreme levels of flex, something Ferrari were unhappy with given the lost time they suffered.

Speaking to Mnotorsport.com, the Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur revealed the extent of the lost opportunity for Ferrari as the new cameras were put to work.

“There was frustration because at one stage we were waiting for the decision of the FIA when they installed the cameras [from Spa],” claimed Vasseur. “We were convinced that it will go for the ‘no go’. And it went for the ‘go’! So probably we lost one or two months.”

Alpine built a whole new F1 car late in 2024

 

 

 

Ferrari lost two months development

Ferrari did make up for lost time and introduced their new wing with seven rounds remaining at the Singapore Grand Prix. Yet a lack of time to fine tune the new upgrade we saw McLaren in the city state dominate the weekend with Norris claiming victory and his team mate on the third step of the podium.

The Ferrari duo were just 5th and 7th and with six rounds remaining McLaren extended their lead over the Scuderia to 75 points. Yet next time out in Austin, Texas, the new aero package from Ferrari saw the team dominate bringing home a rare 1-2 in the Grand Prix. This began the dash for the line in Abu Dhabi as the constructors’ title race was once again on.

With just the season finale remaining, Ferrari had slashed the gap to Mercedes to just 21 points and despite Lando Norris wining out in Abu Dhabi, the Ferrari 2-3 brought them tantalisingly close to their first team championship since 2008, the year Hamilton won his first drivers’ title.

Clearly, the time lost by Ferrari in developing their McLaren style wing which had spanned several race weekends, proved crucial. Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the FIA issued another technical directive following complaints form Red Bull that certain teams were running their cars at an illegal height.

Hamilton first Ferrari laps at Fiorano

 

 

 

FIA swift to act over skid blocks

Ferrari and one or two others were using satellite skid blocks to protect the main plank whose wear during a Grand Prix is used to determine whether the car has been run below the legal ride height.   Fred Vassuer now explains the retro fit the team were required to perform cost them dear in terms of budget to continue chasing down McLaren.

Whilst Sainz and Leclerc finished behind the Mercedes 1-2, the refit didn’t appear to affect the performance of the SF-24. However, Vasseur is upset with the procedures used by the FIA given the extreme delays in fitting cameras to discover any flexi-wings in use. 

“It’s true that the TD came very late because we received the TD last Friday, one week before the quali,” the Ferrari boss tells Motorsportweek. “But it is like it is. It’s not an excuse for [performance], it’s two separate things.”

When questioned closely about the impact of the sudden TD, Fred made clear the problem was more in terms of the financial spend required. “In terms of budget? Yes, a lot, because we had to redo all the skids,” explained Fred.

Verstappen: “I expected the others to do better”

 

 

 

Vasseur admits funds were tight

Clearly the funds diverted to addressing the skid block issue diverted resources away from improving performance and coming up fourteen points shy of McLaren did indeed hurt the chances of the Scuderia.

Vasseur criticises the approach of the FIA given their plank had been determined legal already. “Yes, we had to make the change,” Vasseur revealed. “But we had also the confirmation before this that the plank was legal, that from the FIA.”

“I think it was the right attitude for us not to fight [the FIA] because I want to stay focused on the championship and not on this kind of discussion,” he said in Las Vegas.

“But the approach was strange,” Vasseur concluded.

Hulkenberg identifies Hamilton weakness

 

 

 

FIA to agree driving standards document with F1 drivers

One other matter the FIA is hoping to clear up during the winter recess is the much maligned driving standards guidelines issued secretly to the stewards each season. This document is not made public yet it contains the advice for interpreting various on track nefarious activities.

Verstappen caused uproar in Austin Texas when he dived down the inside of Lando Norris to ensure he claimed the apex of the corner at the end of the long back straight. This meant according to this year’s guidelines he had ‘the right’ to the corner, which did not include the necessity for him to remain within track limits.

As he inevitably pushed Norris wide, the McLaren driver decided to keep his foot in and complete the overtaking move off track. This earned him a ten second time penalty while Max got off scot free, something which was the source of a huge paddock debate following the chequered flag in the lone star state.

FIA reveals plans for flexi-wing testing

 

 

 

Marko update on readiness of Red Bull 2025 F1 car

Red Bull’s advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko has now revealed the status of the car which will be piloted by Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson for the 2025 campaign.

The RB20 was an evolution of the all conquering RB19 and began this year’s competition in fine style. Max won the opening two rounds and by some margin, although a brake failure at round three in Melbourne prevented the world champion from equaling his own record of ten consecutive race victories.

Wins for Max at three of the next four F1 weekends together with a near miss in Miami where Lando Norris benefitted from a late safety car appeared to confirm that Red Bull once again were kings of the F1 hill… READ MORE