FIA explain lack of action over McLaren and Mercedes front wings

FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has clarified why the governing body cannot take action this season in F1's latest flexi front-wing debate.

Red Bull and Ferrari team principals Christian Horner and Fred Vasseur both indicated following the Italian Grand Prix that they would seek clarification from the FIA regarding the apparent flexing of the front wings on the MCL38s and W15s.

The controversy reared its head again over the weekend at Monza as footage from cameras inside the noses of the cars showed the flaps initially folding backwards, and then the entire wing rotating around the horizontal axis.

Both wings, however, have passed the FIA's stress tests so are legal although there is an argument that given the level of perceived flexing they contravene the spirit of the regulations.

In a statement issued by the FIA earlier this week, it conceded the front wings are "a challenging area" but made clear all components are "compliant with the 2024 regulations".

It concluded that it "has the right to introduce new tests if irregularities are suspected. There are no plans for any short-term measures, but we are evaluating the situation with the medium and long-term in mind."

No F1 team would be ready before Abu Dhabi

Tombazis has since confirmed the FIA "will not react until 2025 at the earliest, if necessary".

Explaining why to Auto, Motor und Sport, he added: "This would not only have an impact on aerodynamics but also on the structure of the parts.

"Even if we were to announce a new rule today, the teams would not be ready before Abu Dhabi.”

Red Bull is enduring a torrid time with its RB20 due to a disconnected balance between the front and the rear of the car that has left it struggling through a variety of corners.

Horner stated after the Italian GP that if the FIA did not take action then his team would have to follow suit. "If it's acceptable, then you have to join it," he said.

As to whether Red Bull has time and the financial resources, given the constraints of the budget cap at this point in the season, remains to be seen.