FIA warns Formula 1 teams over trick suspension designs
The FIA has warned Formula 1 teams they could be asked to remove trick suspension systems if they cannot prove aerodynamic performance gain is not the design's primary purpose
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.
Previous article
Renault no longer working with Mario Illien on its Formula 1 engine
Next article
New Formula 1 marketing chief aims to 'detonate the fan experience'
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Author | Lawrence Barretto |
How long can F1 2021's brewing title battle stay clean?
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have been evenly matched so far in the 2021 Formula 1 title race. Neither has been afraid to get aggressive against each other on track, teeing up an enthralling contest as the year unwinds. But is their rivalry destined to end in broken shards of carbon fibre?
What the Spain result tells F1 about the next phase of the Mercedes/Red Bull title fight
OPINION: Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes have recovered from their pre-season woes to take three wins from the opening four races of 2021. But each time Red Bull and Max Verstappen have pushed them hard. So, what clues did the latest round of that battle – the Spanish Grand Prix – tease about the next stage of the season?
How Brabham’s one-hit wonder was boxed into a corner
The Brabham BT46B raced once, won once, then vanished – or did it? STUART CODLING reveals the story of the car which was never actually banned…
The changes Barcelona needs to provide a modern-day F1 spectacle
Formula 1’s visits to Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya over recent years have been met with familiar criticisms despite tweaks here and there to the track to improve racing. With the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix largely going the same way, proper solutions need to be followed to achieve F1’s wider targets
Spanish Grand Prix Driver Ratings
Often described as Formula 1's laboratory, the Circuit de Catalunya-Barcelona gave the clearest demonstration yet of the pecking order in 2021. And it's the key discrepancies from that order which illuminate who is excelling, and who needs to hit the reset button
How Red Bull’s deja vu set Hamilton on the winning path in Spain
An aggressive first corner move from Max Verstappen appeared to have set the Red Bull driver on course for victory in the Spanish Grand Prix. But canny strategy from Mercedes - combined with the absence of Red Bull's number two from the lead group - allowed Lewis Hamilton to pull off a demoralising reversal
The toe-in-water origins of Lotus’s groundbreaking F1 journey
In the first part of our history of Lotus, DAMIEN SMITH recalls how Formula 1 wasn’t an immediate priority for team founder Colin Chapman – but once he got a taste for it he just couldn’t stop…
How Hamilton’s qualifying record compares to Senna and Schumacher
Lewis Hamilton has just become the first driver to record 100 world championship Formula 1 pole positions. Time to revisit a debate we discussed when he reached 150 front row starts in 2020.
