Aston still mulling over 2021 regulatory changes

Aston Martin don't give up. The confidential performances of the AMR21 have only one possible cause: the impact of the aerodynamic changes introduced in the 2021 technical regulations on cars whose front axle tilts less towards the ground. 

While the rules of the game were initially not expected to change compared to 2020, a consequence of the one-year postponement of the aerodynamic revolution initially expected this season, the FIA ​​ultimately adopted, for safety reasons, more significant adjustments than they do not appear there. 

The governing body thus wanted to slow down the aerodynamic gains recorded annually and the increasing forces they exerted on Pirelli tires already subjected to severe tests. 

The teams had to make a triangular cut at the back of the flat bottom of their car, ban blowing at the front of the floor, reduce the amplitude of the fins located on the lower part of the rear brake scoops, and shorten the two strakes located most in the center of the diffuser.

Since the Bahrain GP, ​​Aston Martin and Mercedes insist that these modifications are much less detrimental to cars whose attitude leans significantly forward, starting with the Red Bull., considered the pioneers of “high rake”. On the RB16B, the rear is thus more raised compared to the front than on the AMR21 or the W12, where we speak of “low rake”.  

Considering himself unfairly cheated, Otmar Szafnauer intends to hold the authorities accountable. 

« The best approach is to have discussions with the FIA ​​to understand exactly what happened and why., reacted the main Aston Martin team at the microphone of Sky Sports F1 who questioned him on the subject. Let's then try to see if we can do something to move towards more equity. ». 

Remember that Racing Point received a fine of 2020 euros in 400 and a withdrawal of 000 points from the Manufacturers' standings for having been greatly inspired by the Mercedes W15 fielded in 10. At the time, the Silverstone team had taken refuge behind the regulations, ensuring that everything was in order.

• Red Bull is ironic

Warned of the words of his disappointed counterpart, Christian Horner could not help but send a dig at Aston Martin, and indirectly at Mercedes, which shares the same aerodynamic philosophy and the same grievances about the changes 2021. 

« We only completed one race and it was won by Mercedes, whose car is based on a low-rake concept., entrusted the main Red Bull Racing team to the same microphone of Sky Sports F1. 

They were as good as us, if not better, at aerodynamic management in Bahrain and they look to be in impressive form here. 

Regardless of this, the drafting and modification of the regulations follows a precise procedure and the 2021 changes were adopted unanimously. 

A few years ago, the front wings were changed and we suffered from it. We had positioned ourselves against but accepted the outcome of the vote. 

It seems naive to me to believe that the rules of the game will be reviewed and corrected after a single race. I have a hard time understanding how we can envision such a scenario. ». 

Aston Martin naturally has every opportunity to discuss regulatory issues with the competent authorities. The practice is common in F1. But if the British team were to begin any official procedure it is almost certain to eat itself... a rake.