Ferrari vs. Mercedes: Controversy Over 'Two-Phase' Front Wing
Mar.25 - Ferrari has approached the FIA for clarification over Mercedes' controversial front wing behaviour, which rivals believe may not operate as smoothly as the rules intend.
The system, already dubbed a "two-phase" wing, attracted attention during the Chinese GP.
According to Italian reports, Ferrari suspects the transition from 'straight mode' to 'cornering mode' does not occur in a single continuous motion, but rather in two distinct phases.
Sensors appear to show the movement complies with the regulation limit of 400 milliseconds. However, Ferrari believes that may not tell the full story.
The concern is that the first phase of the movement is extremely rapid - enough to satisfy the sensors - while a second, slower phase completes the closing action beyond what is being measured.
In effect, the wing may not be fully closed when the system registers it as such.
Ferrari's engineers are understood to have analysed the design in detail, using both open-source actuator data and high-resolution imagery before raising the issue.
The potential advantage lies under braking, where a more gradual transition could smooth weight transfer and improve car balance.
The FIA has apparently indicated it will monitor the system more closely, with its interpretation likely to determine whether rival teams attempt to replicate the concept.
Interestingly, Mercedes will run a striking variation of the front wing design in Suzuka, featuring a stylised wolf graphic as part of its collaboration with Adidas' Y-3 sub-label led by Yohji Yamamoto - despite some jokingly linking the wolf to team boss Toto Wolff.
4 F1 Fan comments on “Ferrari vs. Mercedes: Controversy Over 'Two-Phase' Front Wing”
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Shouldnt the Fia have picked this up, they have a thousand cameras at Fia race control and the experts who designed the rules...!
All loopholes should be acceptable, at least for the season in which they are active. Otherwise, the FIA looks increasingly stupid the more times they say that this or that loophole was not intentional.
There haven't been too many examples of an über technology that was withdrawn mid season. Perhaps the fan car, which was withdrawn voluntarily by Bernie without explanation. I somehow doubt that Toto would do something so benevolent...
I dont wholeheartedly disagree that they they should be allowed in the season, my gripe is that the Fia should have seen it first and put out a statement, being informed by a team or teams does Imo make them look a bit inept even if they knew about it(which id bet they didnt)
I agree and your original message is clear. My response was a little off topic!