Red Bull has been the target of several other teams over the past few weeks claiming the Austrian team’s rear wing is more flexible than what is considered legal, giving them an advantage on the straights. Although Red Bull passed the FIA flexibility tests, the teams point to video evidence from the Spanish GP that suggests otherwise. There is speculation that teams might protest in Baku, where the wing’s flexibility can give Red Bull a huge advantage on the long straights. However, F1 executive director Ross Brawn believes such a protest will not be successful.
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According to video evidence from the Spanish GP, the FIA agreed to introduce a new load deflection test starting June 15. Teams like Mercedes weren’t happy with the delay, however, saying there could be a protest or worse, a case before the International Court of Justice. Still, Brawn doesn’t think the protests will be successful or jeopardize the Baku race.
Formula 1 F1. Spanish Grand Prix. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain. Red Bulls Sergio Perez in action during qualifying REUTERS / Nacho Doce
He said, “No, I don’t think so. I think the FIA has implemented its approach fairly consistently. I would be amazed if the stewards went against the opinion of the FIA. “
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“When you’ve passed the tests and some [rival] Teams don’t like it, the FIA can look at it and say “fair point” and stiffen the tests and run various tests, so it’s perpetual.
“One person’s view that it’s too flexible is another’s view that it’s okay. That’s why we have the tests. “
And he’s not the only one who thinks the protests won’t be successful.
Red Bull isn’t the first to be blamed for a flexible rear wing
Brawn has a good résumé having previously worked for Ferrari, Benetton, Honda and Mercedes. In the course of his career he has seen this scenario several times with different teams. So it’s nothing new to him.
He recalled a past incident and said, “In 40 years of motorsport, I’ve been through this many times.
Formula 1 F1. Spanish Grand Prix. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain Max Verstappen from Red Bull and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes in action during the REUTERS / Nacho Doce race
“I can remember [Williams technical director] Patrick Head jumped on our front wing at Parc Ferme because he thought it wasn’t stiff enough.
“He wanted to demonstrate to Charlie [Whiting, FIA race director] that it wasn’t stiff enough so he actually stood on it and bounced up and down to demonstrate how flexible it was. “
This brings Brawn back to its original point. Not much can be done until the new tests are received. That means that Mercedes people only have to endure the current status quo in Baku.
However, this is something worth keeping an eye on. It will be interesting to see the teams’ comments ahead of the race and immediately afterwards. It should provide juicy off-track entertainment at best. And who doesn’t want another shift in an interesting championship fight?
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The post Brawn would be “amazed” if the protest led by Mercedes against Red Bull’s flexi wing were successful first appeared on monter-une-startup.
