FIA set to introduce stricter tests for the Chinese Grand Prix

The FIA are set to bring new technical directive in a bid to introduce ‘stricter rear wing deflection tests’ for the upcoming Formula 1 race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Feature image credit: FIA

Following the outcome of the Australian Grand Prix, last weekend, won by McLaren’s Lando Norris, F1’s governing body is set to introduce a new technical directive this upcoming weekend which will focus on stricter deflection tests on the rear wings.

The FIA confirmed the teams were made aware of this new test on Monday, March 17, 2025. It means, with an update to the technical regulations, Article 3.15.17, the rear wing slot gap must not vary more than 0.5mm after a 75kg vertical load is applied. This is a 1.5mm difference from the current regulations.

However, the FIA has confirmed that there will be a 0.25mm tolerance to this in Shanghai. In a statement, the FIA said:

“As has been previously communicated, between the end of the 2024 season and the start of the 2025 season, the FIA exercised the authority it is granted under Article 3.15.1 of the Technical Regulations to introduce either new or more challenging load-deflection tests for the front wing (from race 9, Spanish Grand Prix), the upper rear wing, and the beam rear wing.

“In addition, the FIA requested to the teams to use cameras in Free Practice Sessions to monitor the on-track deformations exhibited by the cars during the Australian Grand Prix. Having analysed footage from the rear wing deformations combined to the static deflections measured inside the FIA garage in Melbourne, the FIA has concluded that sufficient grounds exist for a tougher test to be introduced from the forthcoming Chinese Grand Prix on the upper rear wing.

Stricter Rear Wing Deflection Tests Introduced for the Chinese GP! 🚨

Following analysis from the Australian GP, the FIA has decided to toughen rear wing flexibility tests starting at the Chinese GP.

Update to Article 3.15.17: When 75kg of load is applied to the rear wing, the… pic.twitter.com/lmG4VAdBSW

— FIA (@fia) March 17, 2025

“More specifically, Article 3.15.17, introduced in 2025, states that if 75Kg of vertical load is applied on either extremity of the rear wing mainplane, the distance between the mainplane and the flap (also known as “slot gap”) must not vary by more than 2mm. From the forthcoming Grand Prix in Shanghai, this limit will be reduced to 0.5mm. Due to the short notice for Shanghai only a tolerance of 0.25mm will be added to this new limit.

“The Teams were informed of this revised test early Monday 17th of March. The FIA wishes to further confirm that during the Melbourne event all cars tested against the requirements of Article 3.15.17 and found to comply, therefore all cars raced in Melbourne were deemed to be legal.”

In last weekend’s Grand Prix, the teams were requested to monitor the deformations of their cars during the practice sessions at Melbourne, as part of the Australian Grand Prix. Although all cars were deemed to be legal after the season-opening race, the governing body analysed footage from the weekend and it was deemed stronger controls were justified.

The FIA has already publicly confirmed a flexi-wing clamp down with the front wings set for similar treatment at this year’s Spanish Grand Prix, in Barcelona.

This new directive will force the teams to take immediate action to ensure their cars remain legal as it will take effect at this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix, on March 21 – 23.

Read more Formula 1 here:

• Winners and Losers of 2025 F1 Australian GP
• A ‘disappointing result’ from ‘positive’ Australian GP for Piastri
• Mercedes wins Australian GP Right of Review to promote Antonelli P4
• FIA release statements for no further verdicts at Australian Grand Prix
• Norris wins dramatic 2025 F1 Australian GP as several crash
• FIA approve Bearman participation in 2025 F1 Australian Grand Prix

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.