Head Claims Ferrari Have Too Much Influence

Williams' technical director Patrick Head believes the Ferrari team have too much power when it comes to influencing the Formula One regulations.

The Williams team were forced to modify their rear diffuser - the upward-sloping aerodynamic device located below the rear wing - at the Austrian Grand Prix following claims from Ferrari that, though its design was within the regulations, it was not within the spirit of the rules.

The sports' governing body, the FIA, asked Williams to modify their diffuser, and Head believes they were influenced by the Maranello-based outfit.

"Ferrari were saying that if they made that same (diffuser) interpretation they could make their car whole seconds a lap quicker, which is absolute nonsense," Head told Autosport. "They were scare mongering. It seems Ferrari has the inside line on influence in terms of rulings. And it's not surprising they are viewed with some distance by other teams."

According to reports, Ferrari were forced to modify their rear suspension before the Austrian Grand Prix following a protest from Williams.