Verstappen hints at level playing field after recent F1 trick battle
Max Verstappen is hoping F1 is again operating on a level playing field following the recent trickery that has forced the FIA into a number of investigations.
Under the spotlight over the past few months has been a McLaren rear wing that flexed under high speed, seemingly creating a small ‘DRS-like’ opening that raised the eyebrows of the team’s rivals. As the furore increased, McLaren removed the wing.
Additionally, there were accusations from Red Bull that McLaren and Mercedes were injecting water through the valves of its tyres to help cool the rubber and ensure they lasted longer. This claim was disproven after the FIA looked into the matter.
Earlier in the year, the flexing of the front wings of the McLaren and Mercedes were also eyed with suspicion. Again, the FIA deemed them legal, although more stringent inspections of all cars have since followed.
Even in the last week, the FIA has had to issue a technical directive – seemingly following a complaint from Red Bull – to ban the use of protective plates over the skid blocks on the underside of their cars. It is understood Ferrari, Mercedes and Haas are among those teams who have been caught.
Red Bull, though, was also the subject of an investigation after it was found to be using a device from inside the car that could alter its ride height. The concern was that an alteration was being made between qualifying and the race, which is illegal. Again, the FIA found no evidence to suggest such ‘tampering’ took place.
Four-time F1 champion Verstappen is now hopeful that after the spate of technical reviews, all cars go into the remaining races on an equal footing.
“We made some improvements to the car since Austin [the United States GP],” remarked Verstappen, speaking to media, including RacingNews365.
“But in Austin [in the sprint] and in the main race we were still lacking pace, and Mexico [the following weekend] was a poor race.”
The Dutchman then poignantly noted:
“Some things have hopefully changed since then, not necessarily from our side. And I hope that now, in the last races, we can see the full race performance of each car.”
