'Verstappen's DRS causes conversation on pit wall Ferrari'

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10 June 2022 at 13:34
Last update 10 June 2022 at 14:15
  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen's DRS clattered a lot during the first free practice session for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Ferrari has noticed that too. According to Karun Chandhok, we shouldn't be surprised if Verstappen's RB18 will be subjected to some tests by the FIA.

Last year, there was already a lot of talk about the RB16B's rear wing. Then the wing seemed to bend backwards at high speeds, something that is not allowed. The rear wings are not allowed to be very flexible and so the FIA decided to impose stricter requirements on the flexibility of rear wings from the French Grand Prix onwards.

Although this year it really seems to be purely about the moving DRS, Ferrari is keeping a close eye on what its direct competitor is up to. Speaking to Sky Sports, Chandhok says that Verstappen's rear wing footage has also reached the Italians' camp.

"It's funny, there's a big screen above the Ferrari pit wall. As those shots of the Red Bull rear wing came, there was a lot of head shaking and conversations on the Ferrari pit wall," said analyst Chandhok. "I will be very surprised if they aren't making a phone call down to the FIA to query that. Because there are deflection tests and various FIA tests about the movement of the rear wing. There are also regulations that talk about how any alteration of the movement of the uppermost section of the wing has been controlled by the driver. The body language on the Ferrari pit wall tells me there will be a conversation soon."