The Aston Martin F1 team has shown simulation data provided to the FIA that the radical rear wing idea the team has adopted has not undermined the intent of F1’s 2022 regulations to improve racing. say it has been proven.
The Aston Martin F1 team caused controversy when it introduced a proprietary solution to the AMR22’s rear wing endplates at the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Thanks to a clever interpretation of F1 regulations, the Aston Martin F1 team has brought back a more traditional endplate design that helps increase downforce.
The concept has been approved by the FIA, and while rival teams have not questioned its legality, concerns have been raised that the new design could cause increased air turbulence from the rear wing.
This could undermine the ability of subsequent cars to follow, as originally intended by the F1 regulations.
However, Aston Martin F1 Team performance director Tom McCullough said the FIA was not only happy with the regulatory aspects of the design, but also that the concept did not undermine the regulations’ intent to support racing. It was made clear that
“It was part of us to make sure it was OK because the intent of the rules is there,” explained Tom McCullough.
“But in simulations we were able to show that it had no material impact at all.”
“It’s the whole philosophy of the car that’s very dominant, and Wing (the idea) is a small feature of it.”
Tom McCullough explained that the Aston Martin F1 team underwent months of checks with the FIA to ensure the rear wing idea was perfectly legal before considering giving the green light to its production. .
“We spent months back and forth with the FIA’s technical department on the initial interpretation and understanding,” said McCullough.
“Then after a few loops and back and forth we got to a point where they agreed that we met all the technical regulations.
“Then we decided to build it, which is why it took so long to bring it to the track. It took months from the first contact to getting full approval from the FIA.”
“Once we have theoretical approval, we design it and manufacture it. Then we submit all the designs the weekend before the race.”
“Again we have to make sure the FIA is still happy. They are happy and they are putting it in the car.”
Category: F1 / aston martin