F1 mystery solved: Mercedes “bi-phase” front wing doesn’t exist. Mercedes has clarified that there is no “bi-phase” front wing. .

Mercedes engineers in Brackley have confirmed that the alleged “bi-phase” front wing was never intentional. The unusual behavior observed during the Chinese Grand Prix was caused by a hydraulic pressure miscalculation affecting the activation of the movable flap system, with no attempt to circumvent the regulations. The case has therefore been clarified, explaining why no investigation was opened by the governing body.

Hydraulic problem caused the flap anomaly

The mystery was resolved with a simple explanation: the Mercedes front wing is not “bi-phase.” In China, the system experienced abnormal operation due to a hydraulic issue. Apparently, there was no attempt to break the rules, but rather difficulty closing the two movable flaps within the prescribed 400 milliseconds. This was ultimately defined as a miscalculation of the hydraulic pressure settings when the car exceeded a certain speed.

Videos sparked online speculation

After the Shanghai race, videos circulated online showing that the flap closing time was roughly double what the regulations require. Between the second race of the season and the Japanese Grand Prix, Mercedes engineers intervened on Kimi Antonelli’s W17 to resolve the issue. The FIA accepted the explanations provided by the Brackley team, acknowledging the team’s good faith.

No FIA investigation required

This clarifies why the governing body never opened an investigation against the team leading the championship. Initial reports suggested that Ferrari had alerted the FIA, but the Italian team denied any involvement.

The delayed flap closure was a disadvantage, not an advantage

The final note on the matter is crucial: the delayed closure of the movable front wing flaps was not a performance advantage. On the contrary, it created a problem because it compromised the car’s aerodynamic balance prior to braking, resulting in a loss of performance rather than a gain.

The Mercedes front wing saga ends not with a disqualification, but with a technical correction. Based on the content of the team’s report to the FIA, the W17’s “stuttering” wing was a hindrance that should now be a thing of the past as the field takes to the track in Japan.