P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur said the team lost out on “one or two months” developing a flexible front wing as it waited for Formula 1’s governing body to deem such a device legal.
Teams like Mercedes and McLaren had been experimenting with flexible front wings leading up to the Belgian Grand Prix, which caused concern for Ferrari and Red Bull. The FIA increased surveillance at Spa-Francorchamps with video cameras, but no front wings were banned despite pressure from Ferrari and Red Bull. Ferrari introduced their flexi-wing at the Singapore GP after the FIA’s decision, and went on to achieve strong results in the United States and Mexico City. The cost cap restrictions limited Ferrari’s development of the flexible front wing while waiting for the FIA’s ruling, leading to a delay in their progress. The FIA chose not to implement immediate restrictions on flexi-wings, citing the complex nature of aerodynamic loading patterns. The situation is under constant evaluation with potential new tests in the future, as the debate on flexi-wings continues in Formula 1.
