Low-rake F1 runners warned of the effects of the rules over the past year

Szafnauer has blamed the rule changes for the team’s loss of competitiveness since the end of last season when it was a regular podium challenger as Racing Point and won the Sakhir GP.

Racing Point followed the Mercedes low rake concept for its 2020 car and committed to 2021 due to the chassis freeze and token system that limited changes in winter.

The FIA ​​introduced a package of aero changes, specifically affecting the ground in front of the rear wheels to reduce downforce for this season.

Szafnauer believes the new rules put low-rake runners at a greater disadvantage than teams that follow the high-rake concept.

Mercedes recovered from a poor test and won the Bahrain GP last weekend, but the Brackley team lost their advantage over main rival Red Bull in 2020 significantly.

Aston Martin fought consistently for speed and was only able to achieve tenth place through Lance Stroll.

“I’m not a conspiracy theorist,” said Szafnauer. “But last year it was suggested by the low-rake runners that this would have a greater effect than the high-rake runners.

“And we were right. It was pointed out at the time the regulations were made.”

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Szafnauer denied the suggestion that the teams voted unanimously in support of the regulatory changes.

“No. Number one, there was never a vote. Number two, there was an indicative vote. So that was only on the technical subcommittee [working group]that all technical directors had to have an indicative vote and three teams voted against.

“You have to remember that only two teams have a low-rake concept. So even one of the high-rake teams voted against it. So far from unanimously. And it wouldn’t even have the eight-out-of-ten. Rule passed. ” Because three voted against. “

Commenting on the team’s current form, he added: “In race conditions we were a bit more competitive than over a lap.

“But compared to where we were a few months ago, we have a lot to do before the regulations change.”