F1 teams have been discussing the stability of rear wings since the Spanish Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton commented on Red Bull with a “bendy wing”.
Since then, the FIA has cracked down on the Flexi-Wings by introducing new stiffness tests that will come into effect from the French Grand Prix.
However, Mercedes and McLaren were unfortunate that the FIA hadn’t introduced the tests earlier, so teams like Red Bull, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo could still exploit the rule loophole in Azerbaijan next week.
Mercedes team boss Wolff warned in Monaco that if the FIA did not provide clarification before the weekend in Baku, F1 would be heading for a “very messy” situation, which suggests that the case could lead to a protest.
However, Red Bull advisor Marko believed the FIA had made it clear when the new tests would go into effect, hinting that Red Bull might try to protest Mercedes over the flexibility of its front wing.
“We think that’s a bit strange,” said Marko in an exclusive interview with the sister publication of Autosport Formel1.de.
“The FIA has decided that the rules for the test, especially for torsional stiffness, will be changed. This applies from Paul Ricard. That is a very clear statement and requirement.
“If Mr. Wolff thinks that it is too late for him – the FIA continues to determine the procedure. If he does [protest], he is free to do so.
“But I think he should look at his forewings too. Because on ServusTV and also on Sky there was a recording where you could see how drastically this front wing approaches the ground. “
Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing, Toto Wolff, Executive Director Mercedes AMG F1
Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images
When asked whether Red Bull could protest against the front wing of Mercedes, Marko said: “Right.”
It’s not the first time Red Bull has referred to the flexibility of the front wing of the Mercedes W12 F1 car amid the ongoing saga.
Wolff said last weekend at Sky Sports that Mercedes had checked its front wing and found that it “bends just like the Red Bull” and that the teams “could also protest against each other on the front wing”.
Wolff adds: “But it is clear that the rear wing bends more than it should. According to the rules, it was classified as a non-conformity. “
Marko said Red Bull was forced to make similar changes to its car in 2012 and 2013 when more stringent tests were put in place, but said they were always done within the deadlines.
“We had to make improvements every time,” said Marko. “A deadline was set and we made improvements within that deadline. It is a normal process.
“At the moment we are driving a legal car. And at Paul Ricard we will strengthen our rear wing accordingly. “
Marko admitted that the debate about Flexi-Wings in the battle between Red Bull and Mercedes was “not decisive for the championship”, with the teams separated by only one point in the constructors’ championship.
The post Wolff “should look at his front wings” amid F1 protest warnings first appeared on monter-une-startup.
