Red Bull calls for FIA investigation into Mercedes

Mercedes’ recent performance jump at the Canadian Grand Prix, partly due to its new front wing, has reportedly led to Red Bull requesting an investigation from the FIA. According to a report from Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull has approached Formula 1’s governing body, the FIA, to investigate Mercedes’ latest design amid suspicions that it runs counter to the sport’s strict regulations.

This development follows Mercedes’ use of an updated front wing, first seen on George Russell’s car at the Monaco Grand Prix. Despite high expectations, the new component had no significant impact on the team’s performance in Monaco. However, things changed dramatically in Canada when Lewis Hamilton was also fitted with the updated design. His significantly improved speed raised eyebrows throughout the paddock, including among keen observers at Red Bull Racing.

While Mercedes’ updates have so far successfully passed all official FIA technical inspections, the concerns raised by Red Bull point to deeper causes. Red Bull’s alleged concern seems to centre around the potential flexibility of the front wing, which is thought to be designed to behave differently under the dynamic loads of a race than under the static conditions of an FIA inspection.

Given the complexity of Formula 1 car components, the FIA ​​​​conducts thorough checks to ensure that all parts comply with the sport’s regulations. According to the findings of German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull has unofficially asked the FIA’s technical office to pay special attention to the behavior of the front wing of the Mercedes cars during the race, especially how it bends under certain conditions.