The FIA declares Mercedes’ spoiler illegal in the United States
A spoiler brought by Mercedes to the US Grand Prix has been deemed non-compliant by the FIA for future races. Mercedes, which had not run with it for fear of complaints, will have to find an alternative.
During the 2022 United States Grand Prix, Mercedes arrived with a controversial new front wing. Mini fins located on the wing, specifically on the highest flap of the front wing, on either side of the nose, helped to redirect the airflow more effectively.
However, the aerodynamic benefits of the fins have been banned by the technical regulations since this 2022 season. Therefore, Mercedes had to prove that these fins served a purpose other than simply improving aerodynamics.
Implemented during the United States Grand Prix during the free practice sessions, Mercedes did not take the risk of using these components in the race. Although the FIA receives the plans for each new part introduced by the teams, some controversial elements are sometimes allowed to be used temporarily until the situation is clarified.
This fall, Mike Elliott, the technical director of Mercedes, had stated that he consulted the FIA regarding this spoiler before bringing it on the track: « We showed them the CAD drawings and went through all the steps requested by the FIA before arriving here with this spoiler. So it’s something they already know. » However, the FIA came back to Mercedes during the Grand Prix, explaining « not being sure about it. »
The FIA thus asked Mercedes not to use this type of fins above the rear wings in the future, and the German team will therefore have to find a new system to redirect its airflow.
The International Automobile Federation recently updated its technical regulations by publishing a correction regarding the fins across the car, stating that they should serve as structural elements connecting each wing flap together.
They therefore cannot be placed on top, as was the case with the wing brought by Mercedes.
