There is speculation that the FIA will closely examine this specific design to ensure that it promotes easier overtaking and close racing in accordance with the current regulations.
The Mercedes W15 has generated significant interest in the F1 paddock during the initial stages of pre-season testing in Bahrain, mainly due to its front wing.
There are lingering doubts about whether Mercedes’ F1 front wing design complies with the regulations set by the FIA, raising concerns about its alignment with the “spirit of the regulations”.
As F1 testing progresses in Bahrain, clearer images of the Mercedes front wing design have emerged.
Distinguished by three flaps, the Mercedes front wing showcases a unique characteristic where the upper flap is connected to the nose through a small carbon fiber component.
The design incorporates two flaps linked to the nose, aiming to replicate the ‘Y250 vortex’, a phenomenon associated with the previous generation of front wings (pre-2022) that enhanced downforce.
There is anticipation that the FIA will scrutinize this specific design to ensure that it promotes easier overtaking and close racing in accordance with the current regulations.
During F1’s testing coverage, technical expert Sam Collins explained the fundamental differences between Mercedes’ innovative design and the more traditional approach taken by Sauber.
“What Mercedes has done here is really clever. They have this outer element, the upper blade of the four parts of the front wing,” he said.
“It’s essentially just a wire that is there to meet the regulations stating that all the blades and elements must be continuous throughout the entire front wing structure without any gaps or limitations or slots that we used to see.”
Collins clarified how Mercedes has deviated from the usual by creatively manipulating the front wing structure, particularly evident in the removal of the inner section.
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He expressed doubt about the ease of replication for other teams, highlighting the intricate relationship between the front wing and the overall dynamics of the car.
“It’s something that every team in the pit lane will be rushing to the wind tunnel to closely examine what the team is attempting to do,” he commented.
“It’s not something that can be simply copied – it has a significant impact on the rest of the car.”