Helmut Marko Doubts Legality of Mercedes’ New Front Wing
Dr. Helmut Marko, a consultant for Red Bull Racing, recently expressed his concerns about the legality of Mercedes’ new front wing design. As the 2024 season progresses, Red Bull’s dominant lead has been challenged, with Ferrari and McLaren closing the gap. Mercedes, for its part, appears to be overcoming its difficulties from the “ground effect” era of 2022. According to James Allison, the team’s technical director, a recent discovery was described as a “how could we be so stupid?”
Red Bull suspects that Mercedes’ new front wing may be excessively flexible during movement. Marko asked the FIA for a detailed investigation. “They have a new front wing,” Marko told the Austrian newspaper Osterreich. “In the TV footage from Montreal, you can clearly see that George Russell and Lewis Hamilton’s wings are visibly folding.”
Marko pointed out that although the wings passed endurance tests, their behaviour on the track raises suspicions. “The wings had the necessary strength when they were approved. That doesn’t surprise me,” he commented. “I don’t know how many times we had to check our wings.”
Intending to closely monitor the verification process at upcoming races, starting with Barcelona this weekend, Marko stated: “Everything was ok with the FIA in Montreal. But there is a new inspection for Barcelona and Spielberg, and so on. , and it always has to be okay.”
Red Bull’s vigilance comes at a time when the team is under increasing pressure from its competitors. “Everyone is looking at the situation critically, not just us,” Marko emphasised.
When suggested that Red Bull’s actions seemed aimed at “clipping Mercedes’ wings,” the 81-year-old consultant responded humorously: “A funny play on words. Something satirical. But if that happens, it will be the FIA who did it.”
The evolving dynamics of the 2024 Formula 1 season reflect intense competition and the ongoing quest for technological advancements. As teams work to optimise their performance, regulatory compliance remains essential to ensuring fair competition. Red Bull’s vigilance highlights the ongoing battle not only on the track but also in the technical inspections that play a crucial role in the integrity of the championship.
Red Bull, by keeping a close eye on the compliance of its competitors, seeks to ensure that all technological advances are within FIA regulations, reinforcing the importance of transparency and fairness in sport. How this situation unfolds could have significant implications for the upcoming races and the balance of power between the top teams.
