F1 News
Does Mercedes use flexible wings as well? 'That's also a problem'
- GPblog.com
Red Bull Racing's rear wing has been the cause of much debate over the last two weeks. According to Christian Horner the flexible wing is legal, according to Mercedes it is not. The FIA has introduced a new way of testing for France to get clarity. Horner clearly didn't agree and preferred to wait until next season.
According to Red Bull's team boss it is strange that the FIA is introducing a new test in the middle of the season. Former F1 mechanic Gary Anderson gives his view on it. "As far as I can see, this issue with flexible wings has got completely out of hand. The current regulations are already very clear and while it's not a big deal to change the testing, that needs to happen before 2022 and not before," acknowledges the F1 journalist at The Race.
Front wing also a problem
The discussion about the flexible rear wing really started after the qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix. It was there that Lewis Hamilton first shared his suspicions about Red Bull's rear wing. After the race, camera footage revealed that Red Bull's rear wing is indeed very flexible, a lot more flexible than Mercedes' rear wing.
"In the bottom rules of the regulations, the severity of the tests is completely written out. It's not easy to pass these tests, given how heavy they are. So to optimize that and get maximum flexibility within these limits is a huge challenge. That's also why I think Horner is right in this area."
In terms of flexible wings, Horner also pointed to Mercedes' front wing. Anderson expects that if it is proven that Mercedes' front wing is also hugely flexible, then another test could be arranged for that as well. "If the rear wing is a problem, then the front wing should also be a problem," Anderson concludes.