© Wolfgang Wilhelm for Daimler AG
In response to Mercedes’ innovative mirror setup, Ferrari’s team principal Mattia Binotto said his team wants the FIA to clarify how far the teams are allowed to push their designs.
At the 2022 Bahrain Pre-Season Test, Mercedes introduced an updated version of their 2022 car, which features minimal sidepods. The new design required the team to change its mirror mounting arrangement.
This then led to several teams questioning whether the new setup also has an aerodynamic purpose. Earlier this week the matter was discussed at F1’s Technical Advisory Committee meeting, and the word coming out of the meeting says it was decided that Mercedes’ mirror setup complies with the rules.
However, Ferrari’s team principal Mattia Binotto thinks the FIA should clarify how far can the mirror designs be pushed.
“No one is questioning the legality of Mercedes solutions,” the Italian said.
“But in 2018, we mounted mirrors connected to the halo, a solution that was legal as it was written in the regulations.
“However, two races after, a new technical directive from the FIA forced us to remove them because they would have had a non-accidental aerodynamic influence.
“This is the principle that I emphasise. The FIA has the authority to clarify, and I am curious to see how the situation will evolve on this occasion. More than appeals, I expect clarification.
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“The FIA has always made it clear that the support for the mirrors must have only a structural function, and if it involves an aerodynamic influence it must only be ‘incidental’.
“If this has been the principle emphasised by the FIA in the past, I believe it must be the same today and in the future. There is no reason to change your mind today.
“Regarding the support of the mirrors, in the past the FIA has sent technical directives underlining the basic concept.
“I believe that certain solutions seen on these cars do not have an incidental influence but have a clear aerodynamic purpose, so I believe they are contrary to what the FIA has indicated in the past.”
When asked if Ferrari will officially seek a clarification from the FIA, Binotto said he is not sure yet.
“It is not an easy discussion. It involves the 10 teams, plus the FIA and Formula 1 – so 12 different realities. Each team will try to bring water to their own mill.
“The discussion has already begun, but I don’t know yet what decisions will be made,” Binotto concluded.
