2021 São Paulo Grand Prix - Interlagos, Nov 12-14

[pantherxxx]

If FIA don't disqualify him for this, then this game is rigged. Of course that's why he was so fast.

[RZS10]

Scarbs linked the following video on twitter (timestamped)

I find it hard to believe that Mercedes would not do that simple test before running the car in qualifying, now obviously they won't have any proof for actually doing that test themselves and it might not even make any difference whether the wing was illegal by design or whether it somehow got loose during quali ... so the very likely outcome will be a DSQ

[NathanOlder]

Even if something broke or was damaged, I think it’s still a DSQ, correct?

This one is very difficult to say. Vettel's DSQ in Hungary was, if my memory serves, due to a failure in a fuel cell valve. That could be argued as being damage. I can't immediately figure out the consequence of being technically noncompliant as a result of damage from the sporting regulations or the FIA sporting code.

At the same time, when cars have had DRS stuck open, they don't get disqualified for it. (usually they retire the car anyway) but I dont recall anyone being DSQ for a stuck open DRS as an example of damaged parts being classified as illegal.

[Vaexa]

Even if something broke or was damaged, I think it’s still a DSQ, correct?

This one is very difficult to say. Vettel's DSQ in Hungary was, if my memory serves, due to a failure in a fuel cell valve. That could be argued as being damage. I can't immediately figure out the consequence of being technically noncompliant as a result of damage from the sporting regulations or the FIA sporting code.

Thanks. In the language of Bauer’s report, he refers to a TD.

To my knowledge, TDs are not published anywhere or amended to the current year's technical regulations. This one is pretty much just black magic to me. I wish there was more I could glean from the regulations right now, but we'll just have to wait.

[Mogster]

The_Race suggesting this refers to excessive bending. Reported to Jo Bauer by RBR.

[NathanOlder]

The_Race suggesting this refers to excessive bending. Reported to Jo Bauer by RBR.

Excessive bending?
ah thats ok then, you get 3 races to sort that out, no sweats

[Mchamilton]

If FIA don't disqualify him for this, then this game is rigged. Of course that's why he was so fast.

You do realise the drs probably opened like 85.5mm rather than 85 or something trivial. He gained all his time in sector 2 in the corners, turn 8 and 9 in particular. Not on the straights.

[Mchamilton]

The_Race suggesting this refers to excessive bending. Reported to Jo Bauer by RBR.

Perhaps mercedes should alert the fia to verstappens upper rear wing element flapping up and down end of straight, looked like it was opening miles further than usual

[Vaexa]

The_Race suggesting this refers to excessive bending. Reported to Jo Bauer by RBR.

Perhaps mercedes should alert the fia to verstappens upper rear wing element flapping up and down end of straight, looked like it was opeeneing miles further than usual

I believe the slot ends up being the same size as long as the actuator isn't bending. I believe (this is conjecture, though) that the main plane of the rear wing may be bending too much on Hamilton's car.

[Sieper]

If FIA don't disqualify him for this, then this game is rigged. Of course that's why he was so fast.

You do realise the drs probably opened like 85.5mm rather than 85 or something trivial. He gained all his time in sector 2 in the corners, turn 8 and 9 in particular. Not on the straights.

Yeah, because he was running a much steeper wing than RBR. That also increases the DRS gain more. All under the smoke and mirrors cover of an fresh engine.

[zibby43]

So, Merc were aware 1 hour before qualifying that RBR were going to report this to the stewards.

Mercedes ran it anyway. They seem confident nothing will come of it.

“ One hour before qualifying began, Red Bull Technical Director Adrian Newey and Chief Engineer Paul Monaghan marched into the FIA ​​office with a mountain of papers and videos. "We wanted to give Mercedes the chance to turn it off," said the World Cup opponent. But also in the qualification, according to the plaintiffs, the rear wing flap flattened out with the DRS open in the last third of the straight. In any case, the TV pictures conveyed this impression.”

per AMuS

[Tizz]

Even if something broke or was damaged, I think it’s still a DSQ, correct?

This one is very difficult to say. Vettel's DSQ in Hungary was, if my memory serves, due to a failure in a fuel cell valve. That could be argued as being damage. I can't immediately figure out the consequence of being technically noncompliant as a result of damage from the sporting regulations or the FIA sporting code.

At the same time, when cars have had DRS stuck open, they don't get disqualified for it. (usually they retire the car anyway) but I dont recall anyone being DSQ for a stuck open DRS as an example of damaged parts being classified as illegal.

I do remember one case where they retired the car otherwise they would have been DSQed. See if I can find it…

[F1NAC]

Imagine reporting your enemy for flexi rear wing, only to be caught with rear drs flap displaced and most probably DSQed from qualy.
Lol

[zibby43]

More, per AMuS:

“ It has not yet been decided whether the request for clarification will be converted into a protest. "We still have to think about our further course of action," warned Marko to be prudent. Mercedes had been informed of Red Bull's request by the FIA ​​before the time hunt. "They should protest quietly. Nothing will come of it," promises Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff.
Red Bull can save the protest. The FIA ​​inspected the Mercedes with starting number 44 after qualifying. The uppermost flap was in the sights when the DRS was open. The minimum distance of 10 millimeters to the lower element corresponded to the regulations, the maximum distance of 85 millimeters according to technical inspector Jo Bauer apparently not. He passed the matter on to the Stewards. They sent Mercedes an invitation to the hearing at 7.15 p.m. local time. It could be a long night for everyone involved.”

[Dee]

"An hour before the start of qualifying, Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey and chief engineer Paul Monaghan marched into the FIA office with a mountain of paper and videos. "We wanted to give Mercedes the chance to put this right," said the world championship rival. But even in qualifying, according to the complainants, the rear wing flap flattened out in the final third of the straight when DRS was open. At any rate, the TV images conveyed this impression.

Whether the request for clarification will be converted into a protest has not yet been decided. "We still have to consider our further course of action," Marko urged prudence. Mercedes had been informed by the FIA of Red Bull's request before the time chase.

"Let them protest quietly. Nothing will come of it," promises Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "Red Bull can save itself the protest."

The FIA inspected the number 44 Mercedes after qualifying. The focus was on the top flap with the DRS open. The minimum distance of 10 millimeters to the lower element complied with the regulations, but the maximum distance of 85 millimeters apparently did not, according to technical commissioner Jo Bauer. He passed the matter on to the stewards. They sent Mercedes an invitation to a hearing for 7:15 p.m. local time. It could be a long night for those involved"

https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/for ... ifikation/