The FRIC (Front and Rear Interconnected) suspension systems used by some F1 teams was deemed illegal by the FIA and could be banned as soon as the German Grand Prix in less than two weeks time.

The FRIC suspension systems work with a series of valves, pipes and cylinders that controls the pitch of the car during acceleration and braking and also through cornering. Mercedes are believed to be running a very complicated version of the FRIC suspension at the moment and could be impacted the most if the ban were to be enforced before the German Grand Prix.

According to the FIA the suspension systems are in breach of article 3.15 of the technical regulations which outlaws any moveable aerodynamic device.

Article 3.15 is quoted below for reference:

Any specific part of the car influencing its aerodynamic performance :
a) Must comply with the rules relating to bodywork.
b) Must be rigidly secured to the entirely sprung part of the car (rigidly secured means not having any degree of freedom).
c) Must remain immobile in relation to the sprung part of the car.

The FIA, is however, considering to impose the ban from the start of the 2015 season due to the fact that the 2014 cars were all built around these suspension systems and there is not enough time for testing between now and the German Grand Prix. This can only happen if the teams unanimously agree to it. It is a tough ask for teams to all agree on the 2015 ban, especially if some teams are not using the same suspension system or feel that their system is not working as well as the next teams.

If the majority of the teams do not agree to postponing the ban, the FIA’s Charlie Whiting has made it clear that teams will be reported to the stewards for not complying with the regulations.

An explanation about FRIC suspension is available here