During this season, the FIA issued technical guidelines on the flexibility of the rear wings, tire pressure and pit stops, although the latter was eventually relaxed. It is assumed that they were all directed against Red Bull, but they do not seem to slow down the team significantly.
At the same time, it is assumed that at least in some of them had a finger Mercedes, which alerted the FIA. It was the same some time ago with the Ferrari power unit. However, the engine of the Italian team really lost power last year.
Adrian Newey has been part of Red Bull since 2006 and has been in Formula 1 since the early 1980s. According to him, the level of behind-the-scenes machinations is higher than he has experienced before.
“In many ways, it’s a compliment to being under the scrutiny of others,” Newey told the Red Bull Web site.
“We’ve experienced it before, but I don’t remember it being such a level of behind-the-scenes politicking and lobbying against our car.”
“Perhaps looking back, when we examined aeroelasticity in 2010/2011, we were under constant surveillance and adapted to every change in regulations. We have already experienced this in the last battles for the title of world champion with Ferrari, which also included quarrels over body flexibility. “
“I never liked it when it was compared to war. But it’s a pretty good comparison. You need to look at every aspect you can to improve your competitive position.
“It’s the nature of F1 and one of the things that makes it so exciting. But the frequency and intensity of this year is quite eloquent. “
During discussions about the rear flexible wings, Newey said that the changes did not have the greatest impact on the track, but rather in the area of the budget.
“If you take the problem with the flexible rear wing, we certainly weren’t the only team that had this problem. But of course, when Mercedes started making noise around it, they didn’t care what Alfa was doing. They only cared if we had an advantage, which we didn’t really have. However, changing this part had cost consequences, which of course hurt. “
“But it’s a great demonstration of our team’s strength to be able to respond to change, and it’s a great example of how when our team is cornered, we can get out of it and remain just as competitive.”
