F1 teams have been debating rear wing stability since the Spanish Grand Prix when Lewis Hamilton commented on Red Bull with a “twisty wing”.
The FIA has since made efforts to contain the flexi-wings by introducing new stiffness tests that will come into effect at the French Grand Prix.
But Mercedes and McLaren were unhappy that the FIA hadn’t rolled out the tests earlier, which meant teams like Red Bull, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo could still take advantage of the Azerbaijan loop next week.
Mercedes team boss Wolff warned in Monaco that if the FIA did not provide clarification before the Baku weekend, F1 would be heading for a “very messy” situation, suggesting that the case could lead to a protest.
However, Red Bull agent Marko believed the FIA had made it clear when the new tests would go into effect, suggesting that Red Bull could try to protest Mercedes against the flexibility of its front wing.
“We find that a bit strange,” said Marko in an exclusive interview with the sister publication Formel1.de from Motorsport.com.
“The FIA has decided to change the rules for the test, particularly for torsional resistance. This applies from Paul Ricard. That is a very clear statement and regulation.
“If Mr. Wolff thinks it’s too late for him – in my opinion it is still the FIA that determines 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 in which you saw how drastically this front wing approaches the ground. “
When asked whether Red Bull could protest against the front wing of Mercedes, Marko said: “Right.”
Helmut Marko, Consultant, Red Bull Racing, Toto Wolff, Managing Director Mercedes AMG F1
Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images
It’s not the first time in the current saga that Red Bull has pointed to the flexibility of the Mercedes W12 F1’s front wing.
Wolff said at Sky Sports last weekend 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 added: “But it is clear that the rear wing is flexing more than it should. According to the rules, it was classified as non-compliant. “
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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 in accordance with deadlines.
“We had to make improvements every time,” said Marko. “There was a deadline and we made improvements within that time frame. It’s a normal process.”
“At the moment we are driving a legal car. And at Paul Ricard, we will be reinforcing our rear wing accordingly. “
Marko admitted that the Flexi-Wings debate in the battle between Red Bull and Mercedes was “not decided by the championship” as the teams were only one point away from the top of the constructors’ championship.
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