The fight at the front of the Formula 1 grid is closer than it has been at any point in the ground effect era. Red Bull started the year with a commanding advantage, but their rivals have wiped it out.
McLaren introduced an ‘astonishing’ set of upgrades at the Miami GP, completing their long-term ascent up the grid. They now possess arguably the best all-round car in F1.
Ferrari won two of the first eight races in 2024 and looked set to challenge Red Bull for the title after Charles Leclerc’s win in Monaco. But their rushed Spanish GP upgrade has cost them performance by triggering bouncing.
Mercedes, meanwhile, finally made a breakthrough with their concept at the start of the summer. They’ve now won back-to-back Grands Prix for the first time since the end of 2021.
In an attempt to re-establish their advantage, Red Bull have introduced a major upgrade package for the Hungarian Grand Prix. The team appear to have listened to the advice of Adrian Newey, who was previously sidelined on important development decisions.
Martin Brundle says FIA front-wing analysis could have big impact
Autosport revealed this week that the FIA are planning to examine the front wings of certain teams at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. They’re investigating whether they’re in compliance with the regulations.
Up to this point, F1’s governing body have simply been carrying out ‘static tests’. That involves applying weight to the wings to see if they flex – which is outlawed under the rules.
The frontrunning teams have all passed these checks so far. But now the FIA want to see whether it’s any different out on track, and they’ll use cameras to do so.
The investigation will take place during FP1 at Spa next Friday. The top four in the championship are all believed to be benefitting from flexible front wings to varying degrees.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 in Hungary, Martin Brundle suggested the outcome could alter the F1 pecking order. If the FIA choose to update the regulations during the summer break, some are bound to suffer more than others.
“The FIA are starting to look at the front wings,” he said. “That could somewhat scramble the pack if they’re told to stop their front wings being so flexy. But we’ll see.”
Red Bull complain to FIA about McLaren part
With the big hitters so evenly matched, it’s inevitable that competitive tension is ramping up. This has been most evident at Red Bull and McLaren.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has repeatedly criticised Red Bull team principal Christian Horner in recent weeks. Most recently, Brown slammed one radio message from Horner to Max Verstappen after his collision with Lando Norris at the Austrian GP.
Behind the scenes, the Bulls have been closely scrutinising just how McLaren have caught up. The progress of the Woking outfit since the start of 2023 in particular has been remarkable.
But they’re not convinced it’s been entirely legal. Indeed, McLaren have had to close a hole in their brake covers, apparently used to control tyre temperatures, after Red Bull made a complaint.
