Scuderia Ferrari wants the FIA to provide further details and clarifications regarding how far Formula 1 teams can develop and push their mirrors concepts, taking into consideration the ongoing intrigue over the concept used by Mercedes in the last days of pre-season testing session at the Bahrain International circuit last week.
Mercedes introduced a completely new mirror setup as part of the sidepod revamp of the W13 in Bahrain. Scuderia Ferrari was the first to question what Mercedes had done, given the design clearly included some elements of the mirrors which were being used to gain an aerodynamic advantage, a situation that is now allowed under Formula 1’s current technical regulations.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of Formula 1’s Technical Advisory Committee yesterday and it the Italian media reported that the FIA considered the Mercedes design did in fact comply with the wording of the current rules.
Yet the Maranello team feels that the FIA should evaluate the matter more thoroughly and consider issuing a technical directive to further inform F1 teams about what is and is not allowed.
Scuderia Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto explained the situation is similar to what happened to his team three years ago: Ferrari introduced mirrors on its halo for aero benefit, but they had to be removed after a few events due to a technical directive issued by the FIA.
“No one is questioning the legality of Mercedes solutions.” – the Ferrari boss explained -“But in 2018, we mounted mirrors connected to the halo, a solution that was legal as it was written in the regulations. However, two races after, a new technical directive from the FIA forced us to remove them because they would have had a non-accidental aerodynamic influence. This is the principle that I emphasise. The FIA has the authority to clarify, and I am curious to see how the situation will evolve on this occasion. More than appeals, I expect clarification.” – he added.
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Mattia Binotto added that it is important for teams to know how aggressive they can make the mirror design and how much they work on delivering an aerodynamic benefit to better manage airflow. Given the current rules and regulations, any aerodynamic benefit from bodywork around the mirror should only be ‘incidental’ to their primary purpose of acting as a support.
Mattia Binotto continued: “The FIA has always made it clear that the support for the mirrors must have only a structural function, and if it involves an aerodynamic influence it must only be ‘incidental’. If this has been the principle emphasised by the FIA in the past, I believe it must be the same today and in the future. There is no reason to change your mind today. Regarding the support of the mirrors, in the past the FIA has sent technical directives underlining the basic concept. I believe that certain solutions seen on these cars do not have an incidental influence but have a clear aerodynamic purpose, so I believe they are contrary to what the FIA has indicated in the past.” – he added.
When asked whether the Maranello team would directly push the FIA for a clarification, Mattia Binotto explained:
“It is not an easy discussion. It involves the 10 teams, plus the FIA and Formula 1 – so12 different realities. Each team will try to bring water to their own mill. The discussion has already begun, but I don’t know yet what decisions will be made.” – the Ferrari Team Principal concluded.
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