The teams, following the Chinese Grand Prix, submitted their design documents to the International Federation. One team reportedly requested clarification from the governing body regarding the W17’s front wing flaps, which appear to close well beyond the 400 milliseconds mandated by regulations, with two distinct and longer movements.
The scrutiny on Mercedes continues, this time not for the power unit but for aerodynamics. While the matter of the internal combustion engine seems likely to conclude by June 1 without major repercussions, a second area of discussion has emerged.
This time the spotlight is on the W17’s front wing aerodynamics. Following the Chinese Grand Prix, the teams, according to regulations, were invited to make the designs of their solutions available for review. As with other teams, the FIA was able to examine the concepts developed on the new, more agile cars.
Mercedes under FIA observation for bi-phase wing operation
Mercedes appears to be under scrutiny by the FIA for its movable front wing, which reportedly operates in a “bi-phase” manner. The wing’s closing movement happens in two stages: the first stage complies with the 400 milliseconds required by the rules, responding to the sensor reading that controls the movable aerodynamics. The second command, which completes the actual closure of the profiles, extends the closing time by an additional 450 milliseconds.
A quick search online reveals clips showing the Mercedes wing in action, demonstrating the bi-phase mechanism. This has fueled speculation of a possible irregularity that the FIA will need to evaluate. The system is thought to reduce the sudden load transfer to the front just before braking, improving car balance during the delicate entry into corners.
Clarification requests and team responses
Autoracer.it reports that they initially attributed the regulatory clarification request to Ferrari, but the Scuderia has denied this. According to information held by Motorsport.com, the notification appears to have come from another, as yet unnamed, team in the Formula 1 paddock. More details are expected during the Suzuka weekend.
The technical verdict lies ahead
Now the matter passes to the technical staff led by Nikolas Tombazis. The Japanese Grand Prix weekend will be crucial in resolving this issue and preventing further controversy from erupting.
The technical battle of the 2026 season is therefore proving to be as much about “creative” software timing as it is about physical hardware. Mercedes appears to have found a loophole that allows for a more progressive aerodynamic transition, but with rival teams crying foul, the FIA’s verdict will be a major talking point at Suzuka. Based on the content of the technical drawings submitted after China, the federation’s engineers have a complex task ahead to define where “natural mechanical lag” ends and “illegal aero staging” begins.
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