The last few months have been increasingly tough for Red Bull. Although Max Verstappen continues to win races at an impressive rate, Red Bull continues to lose ground in the Constructors. Even Verstappen, who continues to show his quality, is finding it harder to fend off Ferrari and McLaren. As competition at the front intensifies, Red Bull are leaving no stone unturned.
Before the season began, there was some controversy surrounding the Mercedes front wing. The W15 made its debut in pre-season testing with a unique front-wing design. Although Mercedes had already received the green light from the FIA, there were still some question marks elsewhere on the grid.
However, as Toto Wolff’s team failed to perform, the issue became an afterthought.
Of course, with Mercedes showing very strong performance in recent events, this relaxed attitude is changing. Formu1a.uno has already reported on Red Bull’s search for clarification on the W15’s front wing.
The Silver Arrows are not the only team under Red Bull’s microscope. The Milton Keynes squad are also looking closely at Ferrari and McLaren, as reported by German outlet AMuS.
At the beginning of last year, Aston Martin was forced to change their front wing because of its ‘flexing’ mid-lap. The FIA implemented a technical directive to limit the movement of flexible components.
However, there are always ways to find shortcuts and innovative solutions in F1.
Despite suspicions, no changes expected
Whilst all front wings are subject to stationary tests by the FIA, it is possible for teams to pass the static tests whilst still retaining some movement on flying laps. This is beneficial for performance.
It is understood that Red Bull turned to Lawrence Stroll’s team to officially protest this issue. However, Aston Martin have declined this invitation – likely because they are developing a similar solution of their own.
Of course, this issue is unlikely to go away overnight. The reigning Champions will almost certainly keep their suspicions for the foreseeable future. What ultimately matters most, in the end, is whether the FIA actually finds Mercedes, Ferrari or McLaren in violation of the rules.
There is no evidence to suggest this is the case, at least for now.
What this saga does demonstrate, however, is the steadily rising intensity among the top teams. Red Bull knows that nothing will be easy from now on, so putting pressure on rivals – both on and away from the track – is fair game.
