Stricter Load Deflection Tests for F1 Rear Wings in China

The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced stricter load deflection tests for Formula 1 rear wings, effective from this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix. This decision comes after a thorough analysis of footage from the Australian Grand Prix.

Clampdown on Aerodynamic Elasticity Exploitation

As part of an ongoing effort to prevent teams from exploiting aerodynamic elasticity beyond acceptable limits, the FIA has been tightening load tests for both front and rear wings since the off-season. The stricter rear wing tests were implemented from the start of the season, while the front wing clampdown will commence from the Spanish Grand Prix in late May.

Having reviewed the data collected during the Australian Grand Prix, the FIA has decided to further tighten the rear wing rules for China, as it believes teams could still manipulate wing flexing more than intended.

Revised Rear Wing Rules for Shanghai

In response to this observation, the FIA will reduce the maximum slot gap width between the mainplane and the rear wing flap from 2mm to 0.5mm when subjected to a vertical load of 75kg. This change will take effect from the Chinese Grand Prix.

It’s worth noting that due to the short notice for Shanghai, a tolerance of 0.25mm has been added to this new limit. All teams have been informed about this revision in the FIA’s technical directive. The FIA emphasized that all cars were found to be legal during the Australian Grand Prix weekend.

Article 3.15.17, introduced in 2025, states that when a vertical load of 75kg is applied on either extremity of the rear wing mainplane, the distance between the mainplane and the flap (also known as “slot gap”) must not vary by more than 2mm. From the forthcoming Grand Prix in Shanghai, this limit will be reduced to 0.5mm.