Mercedes was at the centre of controversy when it ran a design of wheel spacer that featured holes for better airflow on the Singapore Grand Prix weekend to help manage cooling of the tyres.
While the design was deemed fully legal by the FIA, rival outfits questioned the governing body about whether it breached regulations that outlaw moveable aerodynamic devices.
To avoid the potential for a protest during the F1 title battle, Mercedes elected not to run the designs during the back end of the 2018 season.
However, with the concept given the green light, Mercedes has pushed on with the idea this year.
It is understood Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Williams have trialled their own versions this year too, with other outfits evaluating similar designs.
Reflecting on the controversy, the FIA's Nikolas Tombazis, head of single-seater technical matters, said he was aware that huge resource was being spent on the area.
But, he thinks it would have been wrong of the governing body to try to outlaw something that was within the rules.
Speaking to Autosport, Tombazis said: "The Mercedes solution was legal and the idea was taken up by others.
"But if you want my opinion, I tell you that these complicated designs are not a good thing for F1, because they cost a lot.
"When they appeared in October we could not change things without a dictatorial act, because we found that they respected the rules.
"So it does not surprise me that other teams are coming to take advantage of the same concept."
Red Bull's Marko: Australia cooling problems likely hindered Ferrari
Video: Five things to follow at the 2019 Bahrain Grand Prix
Wolff: No better solution than grid penalties for new F1 engines
Monza ‘regret’ over poor fan experience prompts fresh questions over its F1 future
The F1 car concept dilemma that Mercedes must answer soon
Wolff: No better solution than grid penalties for new F1 engines
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff thinks grid penalties are a necessary evil in Formula 1 – as there is no better alternative solution that would not be manipulated by teams.
Kvyat: No obstacles to surprise F1 return
Daniil Kvyat sees “no obstacles” to an eventual return to Formula 1, despite the ongoing issues over Russian drivers in the wake of the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Colton Herta's F1 switch off as Red Bull abandons efforts
Colton Herta's hopes of moving to Formula 1 next year have been dashed, with Red Bull abandoning its efforts to secure the IndyCar race winner a seat at AlphaTauri.
Monza ‘regret’ over poor fan experience prompts fresh questions over its F1 future
Italian Grand Prix chiefs have expressed their ‘regret’ at the frustrations Formula 1 fans endured at Monza last weekend, as fresh questions emerge about the future of the race.
The juggling act that makes up an F1 team principal’s weekend
Have you ever wondered what a Formula 1 team principal actually does at a grand prix? GP RACING followed Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack to open a window into the TP’s race weekend world…
The F1 car concept dilemma that Mercedes must answer soon
Mercedes is yet to get on top of its troubled W13 Formula 1 car as it gets set to face its first season of the hybrid era without winning either of the titles. As the time comes to switch focus to the 2023 campaign, Mercedes faces a dilemma on whether or not it should stay the course with its current car philosophy or change tact altogether
Why Perez’s new-era F1 promise has deteriorated into disappointment
OPINION: Having earned a two-year extension to his Red Bull Racing contract, Sergio Perez appeared to have cracked the team's hoodoo over its second seat. But of late the Mexican's form relative to Max Verstappen has been disappointing, which could put him at risk of losing the race for third in the drivers' standings to George Russell
The late-race safety car issues F1 still needs to fix to move on from Abu Dhabi
OPINION: Formula 1’s safety car rules were thankfully followed in full at the 2022 Italian Grand Prix, but the situation reignited the controversy of the ending to the 2021 campaign in Abu Dhabi and left neutral fans without a teased grandstand finish. This then, is the perfect time to discuss alternatives to a much-maligned situation
How de Vries' overdue F1 debut proved him worthy of a 2023 drive
When Alex Albon was taken ill on the Saturday morning of the Italian Grand Prix, Nyck de Vries was thrust into the limelight at Williams as he made a long-overdue grand prix debut. Having been on the cusp of Formula 1 for so long, his stellar run to the points at Monza demonstrated a tantalising prospect for the 2023 grid
Italian Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2022
As Monza celebrated its 100th anniversary, the Temple of Speed witnessed two perfect 10s notched up by a pair of Dutch dynamites at this year's Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix. But once again there were notable strugglers who would have been hoping for more
Why Verstappen would have beaten Leclerc without safety car help
The controversy which followed the Italian Grand Prix ending behind the safety car and gift wrapping Max Verstappen victory was expected. But, digging into the details of the situation, the Red Bull driver always looked strong favourite in his Monza masterclass regardless of how the Formula 1 race concluded
How F1’s 2022 rules revamp has shaken up the pitstop arms race
Heavier wheels and new rules have made pitstops an even more challenging art to master. But this is Formula 1, so the sharpest teams will always find a few tricks says LUKE SMIITH