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The FIA are closely watching Mercedes over their front wing at the Japanese Grand Prix. Rumours suggested that Ferrari were behind the report, but they have since denied this.
The W17 has been scrutinised by other teams since the start of pre-season, amid speculation that they had the fastest engine coming into 2026. Mercedes’ Maranello rivals have been at the centre of said protests.
Mercedes reveal their special livery for the Japanese Grand Prix! 🐺
Where does this rank alongside Racing Bulls' and Haas' liveries for Suzuka? 🤔
Ferrari urged the FIA to look at Mercedes’ engine with the compression ratio, as they had found a loophole to bypass the 16:1 limit. The issue remains a pressing matter today, with changes expected in the summer, but the front wing is now under scrutiny.
Heading into the Japanese Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows have been dominant in the opening two races with 1-2 finishes. Ferrari will be looking to close the gap at Suzuka, and reports were suggesting that they were not happy with Mercedes’ aerodynamics.
The FIA were tipped off about Mercedes’ front wing by ‘another team’, not Ferrari
As per a report from Motorsport, Mercedes’ front wing allegedly operates in a ‘two-phase manner’ with how it closes.
The first complies with the FIA’s 400-millisecond limit as it satisfies the ‘sensor used to monitor movable aerodynamics’. However, the second exceeds the limit when the wing is brought to ‘full closure’, which can be seen through various social media clips.
Originally, it was said that Ferrari were behind the protest to the FIA to seek clarity on whether the component on the W17 was legal. However, the team have since ‘denied’ this.
The Motorsport report claims that ‘another team in the paddock’ reported Mercedes to the governing body. The identity of the team is currently unknown ahead of the Japanese GP.
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Can Ferrari beat Mercedes at the Japanese Grand Prix?
Ferrari’s race starts give them a slight edge over Mercedes in 2026. But energy management and how to recharge the battery is where the Silver Arrows have ultimately got the better of them in Australia and China.
The Japanese GP will be a big test for Ferrari, with the varying corner speeds and limited overtaking opportunities giving them a chance to lead from the off.
What’s your podium prediction for the Japanese Grand Prix?
Will Buxton thinks Ferrari have an advantage at Suzuka in the high and medium-speed corners. The track’s twisty layout could mitigate Mercedes’ strength on the straights and give the SF-26 the edge.
F1 fans are backing Lewis Hamilton to win in Japan and claim his maiden Ferrari victory. But they will need to keep a close eye on Mercedes on the track, and perhaps off of it with the front wing innovation.
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