FIA warns Formula 1 teams over trick suspension designs

Debate between teams over clever hydraulic suspension devices has been ongoing since Ferrari wrote to the FIA at the end of last year to query their legality.

Although Ferrari's initial clarification request was not aimed at any specific team, it is believed the issue revolves around technology concepts Mercedes and Red Bull have previously used legally and were being taken to the next level.

The most recent talks between teams earlier this month failed to reach a resolution and the FIA has now issued a technical directive clarifying its view on the situation.

In a document sent to the teams and seen by Autosport, the FIA outlined how it intends to assess the legality of suspension systems, with a particular focus on how they affect aero performance.

The FIA picked out five key characteristics or components that it will deem non-compliant:

- Any system that changes how the car responds to body accelerations.

- No direct coupling between the ride height function and the braking system or the steering system.

- Right height control via self-levelling.

- Direct coupling between the role and heave parts of the suspension.

- The storing of energy for delayed deployment or any system that would result in non-incidental asymmetry in the response to changes in load applied to the wheels.

The FIA said it hoped the clarification made it clear what teams would need to do to prove their system was compliant.

The document adds that if a team fails to satisfy the technical delegate that the primary purpose of a suspension system is to insulate the chassis and the driver from undulations in the road surface, if asked to do so, the FIA may ask for the system to be removed or disabled.

Should a team use the system despite being asked to remove or disable it, the matter will be reported to the stewards.

Although the latest clarification appears to rule out the type of system Red Bull was suspected of using, Christian Horner said he believed his team is within the regulations.

"The FIA appear to be happy with the way we have interpreted the rules," said Horner.

"If anybody has a problem with that, they have the right to protest.

"We can only go on the advice we receive from the governing body.

"Certainly all the feedback we've had has been: no issue."

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said last week he was relaxed about the situation and does not fear the prospect of a potential prospect against his team's suspension system at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.