FIA to investigate Mercedes over potential illegal car design as footage emerges

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has reportedly been contacted by Ferrari, with the Italian team asking for clarification on Mercedes’ front wing closure system following the Chinese Grand Prix.

Mercedes have enjoyed a positive start to the 2026 campaign, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli winning the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix respectively, leaving the Silver Arrows top of the Constructors’ Championship ahead of rivals Ferrari.

Just days ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, which takes place on Sunday 29 March, the Italian outfit has reportedly requested clarification from the FIA in relation to Mercedes’ front wing, with the German team accused of using a “two-phase” front wing closure system.

As per FIA regulations, teams’ front and rear wings must close within 400 milliseconds of each other.

However, footage released after the Chinese Grand Prix has led some to suggest that Mercedes’ wing closure time was possibly double what the FIA allows, at 800 milliseconds — although this has not been confirmed by the sport’s governing body.

🚨 The W17 front and rear wings open and close at different times to improve balance under braking.

The FIA is now looking into whether it’s legal.

[https://t.co/FCEFv0nIFk] pic.twitter.com/alVYpbr5UL

— Mercedes Hub (@MercedesF1_Hub) March 23, 2026

The FIA’s technical regulations state that the front wings must have “a maximum transition time between the two fixed positions that does not exceed 400ms”.

As relayed by Autoracer’s Rosario Giuliana, it is alleged that the system enhances the team’s airflow and improves balance under braking.

Reacting to footage of the variable front wing, motorsport analyst and engineer Dr Obbs explained exactly how Mercedes might be getting away with the system while staying within FIA regulations.

Posting on X, he wrote: “I don’t think the regs are ambiguous at all on this. 400ms is the regulation for closing time. However, the aero load could be different depending on the corner entry speed at the point of movement. With a greater load pushing against the front wing elements, the load on the actuator would increase.

“With a hydraulic actuator, this means more pressure to move the flap. Could you design some kind of pressure-activated bypass valve, or a relief valve that would slow this pressure build-up and movement under a given aero load? This would slow the closing time, but only under aero load. I don’t see why not. In a static test, under no aero load, the closing time could be within regulation. But under aero load (above a threshold), the timing could change — thus giving you a slight advantage in shedding drag for longer. Maybe some brilliant engineering…”

Following this weekend's action in Japan, F1 teams will have a five-week hiatus due to the cancellations of the Bahrain and Saudi Grands Prix amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.