However, the aerodynamic benefits of the fins have been banned in the technical regulations from this 2022 season. Mercedes therefore had to prove that these fins were used for something other than just improving aerodynamics.
Tuned during the United States Grand Prix during free practice, Mercedes did not take the risk of racing with these elements. If the FIA receives the plans of each new part put into service by the teams, sometimes some contentious elements are allowed to slide the times to clarify the situation.
This fall, Mike Elliott, the technical director of Mercedes, said he had consulted the FIA on the subject of this wing before taking it to the track: “We showed the CAD drawings and went through all the steps required by the FIA before we got here with this wing. So that’s something they already know. » However, the FIA went back to Mercedes during the Grand Prix explaining to them “I’m not sure. »
The FIA has therefore asked Mercedes not to use this type of fin above the wings in the future and the German team will therefore have to find a new system to redirect its airflow.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile has updated its technical regulation in recent days, in particular by publishing a correction concerning the fins across the single-seater, adding that “It must serve as a structural element that connects the aileron flaps together. ».
They cannot therefore be placed on top, as was the case with the spoiler brought over from Mercedes.
