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“The issue was solved…until now”: Red Bull brings up debate over Mercedes’ “flexible wing” advantage at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix

Somin Bhattacharjee
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"The issue was solved...until now": Red Bull brings up debate over Mercedes' "flexible wing" advantage at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix

Red Bull once again complain over rear wing issues, with the team claiming that Mercedes is not following the FIA regulations. 

Rear wing advantages have been the subject of discussion between the two teams all season long. It was first brought to light by Mercedes, who complained about the amount of flexibility in the rear wing of the RB16B.

This led to the FIA issuing new regulations that instructed all teams to ‘firm up’ their wings. A lot of teams were not with this verdict. The entire issue seemed to be resolved until the Milton-Keynes based team brought it up in Brazil again.

Lewis Hamilton dominated the qualifying session in Sao Paolo on Friday. However, FIA’s lead technical director Jo Bauer had questions regarding the Briton’s DRS. They launched an investigation regarding the same but are yet to make a decision.

However, according to Auto Motor und Sport, Red Bull raised their concerns regarding Mercedes’ rear wings before Hamilton was summoned to the stewards.

Also read: Lewis Hamilton finally tells us what he really feels about being frequently booed

Mercedes are allegedly using the very same rear wings they complained about

Red Bull was looking for a reason as to why Mercedes cars were outperforming them in the second half of the season. Red Bull thinks that the Brackley-based team is using the same “flexi-wings” that they complained about at the start of the season.

According to AMuS: ‘The top speed disadvantage has been driving Red Bull since the summer break. There were new theories as to why the Silver Arrows fly away from the RB16B on the straights. Now Red Bull believes it has finally found what it is looking for.’

‘According to Red Bull, the rear wing flap of the Mercedes folds backwards from a speed of 260 km/h. Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey ‘went into the FIA office with evidence supporting this fact.’

They do not have to take the trouble of lodging an official protest anymore. Hamilton’s car is already under investigation for DRS issues. FIA will announce their decision of the Mercedes car on Saturday ahead of F1’s 3rd Sprint race of the year.

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

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Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

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