F1 News: FIA To Tighten Significant Rule After Italian Grand Prix

FIA's fresh directive TD018 has been issued after a suspicion that some teams might have found a 'flexing loophole.'

The FIA is all set to tighten a rule pertaining to flexing through its latest technical directive TD018 which was introduced to the teams to prevent them from using existing loopholes to their aerodynamic advantage. 

The governing body has implemented the move after doubts about teams bending the flexibility rules in the front and rear wings of their F1 cars. As reported by Motorsport.com, the new directive aims to regulate flexible bodywork that goes beyond the load tests already in place.

Flexible front and rear wing elements can be used to evade such tests and thus, work toward the aerodynamic advantage of the car. Through the directive, the FIA aims to remind the teams of Article 3.2.2 of the Technical Regulations whose breach would include any component that is found to influence the aerodynamic performance as a result of it not being “rigidly secured and immobile with respect to their frame of reference”. 

To understand the bodywork on the F1 cars running currently, the FIA has asked the teams to submit assembly drawings and cross-sections. This should throw light on how the front and rear wing elements are attached to the nose, rear-wing endplates, pylons, and rear-impact structure. 

The scrutineering will require all teams to submit the report by September 8 after the Italian GP. However, for the Singapore GP, the teams would have to use compliant designs in case anything is found amiss. That means the race at Monza would be the last GP where teams are allowed to use existing designs. 

Just a few weeks ago, FIA’s senior race director advisor Herbie Blash revealed how the wings could be seen moving on TV and he sat there with a ruler to try and figure out the amount of flex. As per him, the flexing of the wing elements is the only area he would question in F1. Speaking on Beyond the Grid podcast, he said:

“I think the only area that I would question today is maybe the flexing of the wing elements, that however much weight the FIA have to put on the wings, when you actually look on a TV on an onboard shot, and you can actually see the wings move.

And I remember I used to sit there with a ruler trying to work out on the screen and Race Control how far that front flap is going down or that rear wing is moving.”

The FIA seems to have tightened its seat belts with the check on flexing as coincides with the announcement of the 2022 cost cap results. Interesting times.