Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy driving the (12) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W17 on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on March 13, 2026 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images for Pirelli)
Formula 1 Hot News

Formula 1 News: Ferrari queries Mercedes ‘two-phase’ illegal front wing

Andrew Maitland

(GMM) Ferrari has approached the FIA for clarification over Mercedes’ controversial front wing behavior, which rivals believe may not operate as smoothly as the rules intend.

The system, already dubbed a “two-phase” wing, attracted attention during the Chinese GP.

According to Italian reports, Ferrari suspects the transition from ‘straight mode’ to ‘cornering mode’ does not occur in a single continuous motion, but rather in two distinct phases.

Sensors appear to show the movement complies with the regulation limit of 400 milliseconds. However, Ferrari believes that may not tell the full story.

The concern is that the first phase of the movement is extremely rapid – enough to satisfy the sensors – while a second, slower phase completes the closing action beyond what is being measured.

In effect, the wing may not be fully closed when the system registers it as such.

Ferrari’s engineers are understood to have analyzed the design in detail, using both open-source actuator data and high-resolution imagery before raising the issue.

The potential advantage lies under braking, where a more gradual transition could smooth weight transfer and improve car balance.

The FIA has apparently indicated it will monitor the system more closely, with its interpretation likely to determine whether rival teams attempt to replicate the concept.

Interestingly, Mercedes will run a striking variation of the front wing design in Suzuka, featuring a stylized wolf graphic as part of its collaboration with Adidas’ Y-3 sub-label led by Yohji Yamamoto – despite some jokingly linking the wolf to team boss Toto Wolff.