Ferrari SF-23 F1 Front Wing Design Clears All Doubts With FIA's Stamp of Approval
Ferrari have declared that its innovative front wing design was completely lawful and above board.
The team attracted attention due to the slot gap separator trick concept present in the front wing of their 2023 challenger, which was the same concept that Mercedes was informed it could not use last year.
The main objective of the design is to direct airflow to improve outwash, which the FIA aimed to reduce with the new generation of cars.
In 2022, Mercedes was advised against using this design as it breached a rule that stated the supports had to be primarily there for mechanical, structural, or measurement purposes, with some leeway for aerodynamic influence.
Mercedes chose to steer clear of any ambiguity by not pursuing the design, as it was not clear whether the supports would have primarily served an aerodynamic purpose.
Ferrari's use of the same design in the SF-23 caused some concern, but it was later discovered that the regulations had changed over the winter, eliminating the need for the supports to have non-aero functions.
This allowed Ferrari to employ the design without breaching any rules, and the team claimed to have received clearance from the FIA.
New team principal Fred Vasseur explained to the media:
“When we launched the car with these kind of parts, we were sure to have a discussion with the FIA.
“For them it was crystal clear that it was okay. The emotion of the other teams, I don't care.
"It's the game of F1. Each year at test one you have this story about a winglet or this one [car part].
“It's the game of F1. Each year at test one you have this story about a winglet or this one [car part]. In one week’s time, we will talk about something else.”