According to Toto Wolff, the Maranello-based team was “the most conservative” in interpreting the technical regulations related to aerodynamic flexibility, unlike Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull. This approach, according to the Austrian, could now prove advantageous with the implementation of new limitations starting in Barcelona.
Lewis Hamilton on Ferrari’s supposed advantage according to Toto Wolff
The seven-time world champion responded in a skeptical and ironic tone, dismissing Toto Wolff’s claims.
“I don’t know where that impression comes from. I don’t know what makes him think that. I hope he’s right,” he added with a laugh, “but I really have no idea who will be affected and who won’t. In the simulator, it didn’t make much difference.” – the seven-time Formula 1 world champion pointed out.
Lewis Hamilton also stated that flexible wings had helped make ground-effect cars “more pleasant to drive,” criticizing the origin of the current regulations: “In the end, the flexible wing was a band-aid over a poorly designed technical regulation, I would say.”
According to Lewis Hamilton, the introduction of the new restrictions will make it harder to generate front-end downforce in low-speed corners, leaving everything up to mechanical grip.
“Getting the setup right, creating devices and mechanisms on the car mechanically… I think all the engineers are capable of doing that. But it’s not easy to get the required front-end load at low speed if you’re relying only on mechanical grip. So far, everyone has managed, some better than others.”
Finally, Ferrari’s number 44 looked ahead to what might happen over the Barcelona weekend. “This weekend will be interesting because with less flex on the front wing, you’ll have a lot of front-end load at high speed and less at low speed.” It’ll be interesting to see how it affects the various teams. Some maybe flexed more, did a better job than others, so I really have no idea how it will impact us.”
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