Formula 1 Bahrain GP
Ferrari seeks further clarity over Mercedes F1 mirror concept
Ferrari wants the FIA to further clarify how far Formula 1 teams are allowed to push their mirrors designs, amid ongoing intrigue over the concept introduced by Mercedes.
Jonathan Noble Roberto Chinchero
Edited: Mar 18, 2022, 6:28 AM
Copy link
Share on Viber
For the final pre-season test in Bahrain, Mercedes completely overhauled its mirror setup as part of the sidepod revamp of the W13.
Rivals questioned what Mercedes had done, as they suggested that some elements of the mirrors were being used for aerodynamic benefit – something which they are not supposed to under F1’s technical regulations.
The matter was discussed at a meeting of F1’s Technical Advisory Committee this week, and it is understood that there was wide agreement that the Mercedes design did comply with the wording of the current rules.
However, Ferrari thinks that the FIA should look into the matter in more detail and potentially issue a technical directive to further advise teams about what is and is not allowed.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said the situation is similar to what happened to his team in 2018 when it ran mirrors on its halo for aero benefit, but they had to be removed after a few races following an FIA intervention.
“No one is questioning the legality of Mercedes solutions,” said Binotto. “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."
Mattia Binotto, Team Principal, Ferrari
Photo by: Ferrari
Binotto says that key for teams to understand is how aggressive they can make the mirror solution to help deliver an aerodynamic benefit in helping better manage airflow.
Under the current regulations, any aerodynamic benefit from bodywork around the mirror should only be ‘incidental’ to their primary purpose of acting as a support.
Binotto added: “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.”
Asked if Ferrari would directly push the FIA for a clarification, Binotto said: “It is not an easy discussion. It involves the 10 teams, plus the FIA and Formula 1 - so 12 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."
Read Also:
- F1 teams set to discuss rule tweaks to avert "mirror war"
- Ferrari thinks 25bhp gap to Mercedes/Honda F1 engines has gone
- How F1’s top teams have started to evolve their 2022 cars
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Why Hulkenberg's latest F1 comeback is his most challenging yet
Next article Bahrain GP: Latest F1 technical developments direct from pitlane
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Mercedes
Why Mercedes switched George Russell to its old F1 car spec in Singapore
Formula 1
Formula 1
Singapore GP
12 h
Why Mercedes switched George Russell to its old F1 car spec in Singapore
Christian Horner admits that F1 rivalry with Toto Wolff became "theatre"
Formula 1
Formula 1
Christian Horner admits that F1 rivalry with Toto Wolff became "theatre"
Latest news
Kaden Honeycutt wins incident-free Phoenix NASCAR Truck race, extends points lead
NASCAR Truck
NSTR NASCAR Truck
Phoenix
1 h
Kaden Honeycutt wins incident-free Phoenix NASCAR Truck race, extends points lead
GTA VI 'Vice City' blimp to appear at NASCAR championship weekend
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Phoenix II
6 h
GTA VI 'Vice City' blimp to appear at NASCAR championship weekend
Verstappen Racing struggles to 15th as Porsche takes emotional Portimao pole
GT World Challenge Europe Endurance
WCEE GT World Challenge Europe Endurance 7 h
Verstappen Racing struggles to 15th as Porsche takes emotional Portimao pole
Franco Colapinto urges fans to stop the abuse: “You’re not helping me or my future”
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Singapore GP
11 h
Franco Colapinto urges fans to stop the abuse: “You’re not helping me or my future”
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe