The competitive landscape in Formula 1 might soon undergo another transformation as the FIA intensifies its scrutiny of flexible front wings.
Red Bull recently highlighted the possibility of modifying its usual approach to the standard bodywork flexibility tests. This comes in light of the recent visuals depicting the front wings of competitors like McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Aston Martin flexing at high speeds.
In preparation for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the FIA issued a technical directive. It informed teams that wireless cameras might be installed on their cars to monitor the flexibility of the front wings directly on the track.
"We will see if anyone suffers a sudden collapse," noted Antonio Lobato, a commentator for Spanish broadcaster DAZN, on Friday.
"Something like that has been happening with Red Bull for several grands prix now. I have been told by two different teams that they are convinced that the FIA told them to withdraw something," he disclosed.
It's speculated that Red Bull retaliated against McLaren by notifying the governing body about a discrepancy involving a hole in the brake ventilation drums that was supposed to be sealed.
"They say that in some qualifying sessions and some sprint races, they didn't cover the hole," Lobato explained. "Then Red Bull pointed the finger and said that that could have been an advantage."
"I've spoken to people at McLaren and they say, 'Look, if we didn't cover them it's because we forgot. There's no advantage, we just didn't put the tape on'," he added.
