Formula One is to introduce new tests to ensure teams are not breaking the rules by using flexible rear wings. The issue was raised by Lewis Hamilton during the Spanish Grand Prix, where he questioned the advantage Red Bull may have gained from using what he called a “bendy” rear wing. What are described as “moveable aerodynamic parts” have long been banned. However, teams always attempt to push the boundaries of these rules and wings that could flex under load may reduce drag on straights, increasing straight-line speed. After qualifying in Spain where he took pole, Hamilton suggested Red Bull were managing to get round the rigorous tests on movement of wings when the cars are stationary. “The Red Bulls are really fast on the straights,” he said. “They have this bendy wing on the back of their car which they put on today and they gained at least three tenths.” The Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, denied any infringement, stating their wing had passed all the rigidity tests required by the FIA. However, it is understood the FIA has now written to the teams warning it had observed some cars had passed static tests but may have demonstrated wing movement while in motion. The governing body has told the teams it will introduce new static tests from 15 June. It will also then use on-board cameras to monitor the wings while in motion, with markings required to enable observation of movement. Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA head of single seaters, wrote to the teams and insisted the introduction of new tests mid-season was necessary because of fears that wing movement could be being used to improve aerodynamic performance. “We will be looking out for any anomalous behaviour of the deformation of the rear wing,” he said. The teams have been given a month before the new tests and monitoring system come in to allow them to enact any changes necessary. They will be able to use their current designs for the next three meetings: next week in Monaco, followed by Azerbaijan and potentially Turkey. The race in Istanbul scheduled for 13 June remains in doubt, however. It was only recently added to the calendar to replace the cancelled Canadian GP, but with Turkey on the red list for travel from the UK it seems increasingly unlikely to go ahead. F1 is expected to make an announcement on Friday regarding the fate of the Turkish GP. There is potential that the French GP will be moved forward by two weeks to replace Turkey and then a second race in Austria added to take France’s original slot.