Mercedes rear-wing still legal

Following on from the Australian Grand Prix where both Lotus and Red Bull seemed adamant that the rear-wing of the Mercedes was illegal, the FIA have reiterated that the rear-wing is still legal. With Mercedes supposedly sporting a “super” DRS device, the controversial conversations continued earlier today at the Sepang paddock.

However, FIA Race Director Charlie Whiting is still rejecting the fact that the device is illegal, stating that due to the device not interacting with any suspension parts and due to the fact it doesn’t effect the steering, there seems to be no rule prohibiting it.

With the FIA deeming the device legal, this creates a conundrum for the rest of the grid, namely Lotus and Red Bull who opposed the device the most in Australia. Either the teams lodge an official protest this weekend against the device, or they simply end the matter and try their best to devise a similar device on their cars.

Mercedes could well have an advantage heading into qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix, with the track offering many straights which will allow teams to deploy their DRS. If the Mercedes “super” DRS really does offer them an advantage, expect the Silver Arrows to qualify high on the grid for the race. However, during the race the DRS is prohibited to only the start-finish straight, which will lessen Mercedes supposed advantage.

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