The Mercedes F1 team have had a knock back as they attempt to increase their lead in the championship this weekend. 

The Silver Arrow sported a new nose and front wing in Free Practice 1 and 2 for the car in China, but reports coming out of the sport’s governing body is suggesting that the FIA have deemed it illegal. 

Auto Motor und Sport’ Michael Schmid has reported, per GP Today, that Mercedes have been forced to change their front wing as it does not fit to regulations.

New regulations at the start of the season focused on making the wings less complicated and fiddly in an attempt to create better racing for the fans. 

The aerodynamic complexity of modern day wings had meant that cars were unable to run closely to each other in the races, so the FIA decided to help this by adapting the rules. 

Although not clear at this time what the FIA’s reasoning is for the decision, Mercedes will have to revert back to their previous design for qualifying and the race or risk a penalty. 

It‘s believed by some experts that the team knew the wing might be rejected, but wanted to test the limits of the rules to find as much time on the circuit as possible. 

For the Mercedes team, finding time will be crucial for them to maintain their leads in both championships this weekend.

Despite two wins from two this season, they have had to rely on failures and mistake from the Ferraris to get them. 

Charles Leclerc had his first win cruelly ripped from his grasp following the failure of his engine last time out at Bahrain with just 10 laps to go, but the Ferrari had been faster throughout the weekend leaving Mercedes with some head scratching to do. 

Following the news from the FIA that this wing will be ineligible for Formula One’s 1000th Grand Prix on Sunday, it looks like they may need to go back to the drawing board if they want a sixth successive title this year.