Red Bull's engine mapping loophole raises FIA questions - Further clarification is required after RBR try another solution
Published by Christine
Welcome to F1Minute - Red Bull’s engine mapping loophole raises FIA questions.
The German Grand Prix had yet to start when Red Bull were already plunged into controversy as FIA technical delegate Joe Bauer highlighted an engine mapping issue on the RB8. He referred the matter to the stewards noting that in his opinion the cars were in breach of Article 5.5.3 of the technical regulations, which covers the engine mapping, as well as an additional memo that stipulates these things cannot affect the aerodynamics.
Although the team could have had both cars forced to make a change and start from the pitlane, or worse disqualified from the weekend as a whole, the stewards ultimately found that they were not in breach of the rules.
The official statement from the stewards said they didn’t agree with the design Red Bull had gone for, but they weren’t against the specific regulations. That means there could be a clarification coming very soon. After the race, Christian Horner acknowledged the rules may be tightened up in the future but reiterated: “There’s no clause in the regulations that refers to the spirit of the regulations.”
