While all cars were legal in Melbourne, the FIA is to introduce stricter rear wing flexibility tests at this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix.

Between the end of the 2024 season and the start of 2025, the FIA exercised the authority granted under Article 3.15.1 of the Technical Regulations to introduce either new or more challenging load-deflection tests for the front wing (from race 9, Spanish Grand Prix), the upper rear wing, and the beam rear wing.

In addition, the FIA requested the teams use cameras in free practice sessions to monitor the on-track deformations exhibited by the cars during the Australian Grand Prix.

Having analysed footage from the rear wing deformations combined to the static deflections measured inside the FIA garage in Melbourne, the sport's governing body has concluded that sufficient grounds exist for a tougher test to be introduced from the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix on the upper rear wing.

More specifically, Article 3.15.17, which was introduced this season, states that if 75Kg of vertical load is applied on either extremity of the rear wing mainplane, the distance between the mainplane and the flap (also known as "slot gap") must not vary by more than 2mm. From the forthcoming Grand Prix in Shanghai, this limit will be reduced to 0.5mm.

Due to the short notice, only a tolerance of 0.25mm will be added to this new limit.

The teams were informed of this revised test early today (17 March).

The FIA confirmed that during the Melbourne weekend all cars tested against the requirements of Article 3.15.17 and found to comply, therefore all cars raced in Melbourne were deemed to be legal.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Superbird70, 4 hours ago

"If they all don't comply on half points should be awarded or ... no points, and they just race for fun!!"

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2. Posted by kenji, 5 hours ago

"@Wokingchap...If they all failed the rejigged test then they could all race as no one would have an unfair advantage."

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3. Posted by Wokingchap, 6 hours ago

"@Superbird70...haaaaaaa i hadn't thought of that one, perhaps they'd all be banned."

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4. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 15 hours ago

"CH: "Please sir, please sir, Those nasty other teams have got an advantage which we think is illegal and needs to be banned"

FIA: "We will change the rules, how much does your wing deflect?"

Asking teams to increase the flexural stiffness of the rear wing elements by a factor of 4 within a 5 day timeframe is totally unrealistic.

As an alternative, why not get rid of DRS entirely and get back to some proper overtaking.

"

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5. Posted by Superbird70, 18/03/2025 13:19

"What if they all don't comply?"

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6. Posted by Chester, 18/03/2025 12:35

"Ghosts of Bernie's idea of sprinklers with a twist. You just change the rules with little notice and get a change in running order. Viola!

But seriously, sudden and strict rule changes are part and parcel of the French-style FIA operation. "

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7. Posted by kenji, 18/03/2025 12:34

"One, possibly two layers of extra sticky duct tape along the leading edge should suffice until they get home....."

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8. Posted by Hobgoblin, 18/03/2025 11:20

"On the basis that all teams will push the regulations to the limit, that is a big change to implement in just 4 days - especially when the cars are on the other side of the world.
Reckon we'll see a few protests about this at the weekend...

Also, where can I get some of what they're smoking??"

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9. Posted by kenji, 18/03/2025 7:24

"Shouldn't be too hard to rectify......."

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10. Posted by Wokingchap, 17/03/2025 17:00

"So absolutely NO time whatsoever for theteams to rectify anything......brilliant!

"

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Stricter rear wing deflection tests for Shanghai

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