Mercedes suspects Red Bull using 'illegal trick' - report
Mar.21 (GMM) Hot on the heels of the new F-duct controversy, Mercedes has turned the heat back onto Red Bull.
Amid complaints from rival teams including Red Bull about its innovative aerodynamic concept aboard the W03, Mercedes' Ross Brawn admitted he sensed a diversionary tactic.
"The discussion about our system has diverted the focus from the exhaust issue," he said in Australia.
The FIA has clamped down hard on the exhaust-blown diffusers seen throughout the grid last year, but much pre-season chatter focused on some teams' post-ban 2012 solutions that reportedly fly close to the boundaries of the new rules.
But now Germany's Bild newspaper reports that Mercedes suspects Red Bull is also bending the rules in another area.
The report said Mercedes' sound analysis indicated Renault-powered Red Bull is deploying an "illegal engine trick", apparently involving the turning on and off of individual cylinders.
Mercedes' competition vice-president Norbert Haug commented: "There is no official protest by us. But there are some questions that we are asking the FIA."
Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko hit back: "No one will find anything. We comply with the rules."
I wouldn't say that it's illegal, but it's borderline
German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport, meanwhile, reports that Melbourne winner McLaren currently has the most sophisticated exhaust solution on the 2012 grid.
"I wouldn't say that it's illegal," said Peter Sauber, "but it's borderline."
Teams including Mercedes, Lotus, Toro Rosso and Williams reportedly used much more conservative solutions in Australia.
"First we wanted to see what is allowed and what is not," said Williams engineer Mark Gillan.
Share Or Save This Story
The season is still very long - Rosberg
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Sebastian Vettel gives update on F1 future as he opens up on life after retirement
Sebastian Vettel: F1 must combine “things we love” with sustainable future
The deeper meaning of Vettel’s emotional Schumacher demo run at Monza
Max Verstappen laughs off Malaysian heat concerns: "Months of preparation to not give an F!"
What the drivers are expecting from F1's return to Sepang
The hidden F1 performance differentiator nobody is talking about in 2026
NASCAR shortens spoiler in new tweak to superspeedway package for Talladega
Dudu Barrichello to end 'fun year' in IMSA with outside chance at GTD title
WRC title showdown: What Evans, Pajari and Solberg need in Sardinia
F1 Bahrain GP in Malaysia: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
The hidden F1 performance differentiator nobody is talking about in 2026
As Mercedes looks to deal F1 2026 knockout blow, will its driver fight reignite?
Top 10 F1 results changed by backmarkers – the passes
The problem with Ferrari’s endless team principal speculation
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.
Top Comments