The FIA says it will introduce more rigorous rear wing load dismantling tests in China’s next Formula 1 race, following an analysis of footage of wing deformation at Australia’s Grand Prix.
The ability to create what is widely known as the rear wing deflection – and what is widely referred to as the “mini-dollar” is a hot topic towards the end of the 2024 season, with the FIA also increasing its focus on pre-season post-test areas.
The more stringent front wing test is expected to be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix later this season, with the FIA taking the rear wing load denial test earlier this year. As part of that, as a rear-facing camera was used in practice sessions, the FIA saw how the wings were deforming at different speeds, and focused specifically on the gap between the two flaps that open when the DRS was activated.
To prevent teams from opening smaller gaps at high speeds, the governing body says it reduces the acceptable variance caused by static load testing of 2mm to 0.5mm when placed under the same load as Melbourne.
The team was notified of the revised test early on Monday following the Australian Grand Prix. The FIA may introduce such changes to its process under section 3.15.1 of the Technical Regulations.
“Analysing footage from the deformation of the rear wing combined with static deflection measured inside the FIA garage in Melbourne, the FIA concluded that there is sufficient evidence to introduce more stringent testing of the rear wing, introduced by the Chinese Grand Prix,” the FIA statement read.
“More specifically, Section 3.15.17, introduced in 2025, states that if a vertical load of 75 kg is applied to any end of the main plane of the rear wing, the distance between the main plane and the flap (also known as the “slot gap”) must not change by more than 2 mm. From Shanghai’s upcoming Grand Prix, this limit will be reduced to 0.5mm.
“A short notice in Shanghai will add only a 0.25mm tolerance to this new limit.”
The FIA is considering reducing the deformation seen in some cars, but has confirmed that it has tested all Australian cars.