F1 2019 rule change to help Mercedes, claim Red Bull

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko says the regulation changes being brought into Formula 1 in 2019 are likely to give reigning champions Mercedes yet another advantage. Simplified front wings and other aerodynamic tweaks have been introduced in an attempt to boost on-track action.

Dull races, with little wheel-to-wheel combat, remain the scourge of F1 and the latest attempts to bring excitement have led to the most recent rule changes.

More are set to follow in 2021, as part of a planned overhaul of the sport under Liberty Media.

Having mastered the V6 Hybrid power units in use in F1 since 2014, Mercedes have won the drivers' and constructors' championship across the past five seasons.

And Marko expects that the new rules will not necessarily bring the Silver Arrows closer to their rivals, including Red Bull and Ferrari.

Casual #F1 fans look away now, we're talking 2019 tech regs ???? Everything you need to know ???????? https://t.co/rSzcBogQYu pic.twitter.com/4HPcKBT3fc — Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) January 22, 2019

Motorsport.com quotes Marko as claiming the new rules were "mainly done on the initiative of Mercedes", adding: "Everyone can see how difficult it is for Mercedes to overtake when they are behind [other cars]."

Marko once again suggested that the exercise of introducing new aerodynamic parts was an expensive exercise that is yet to suggest a great change in on-track performance.

"We are €15million poorer," he added.

"We have the same [aerodynamic] data as last summer. By the time we get to Melbourne we'll probably be better than that.

"[But] there is now a good basis for discussion between Mercedes, Ferrari and us. We agree that regulations must not be determined by technicians.

"As soon as technicians are involved, the costs increase and everything becomes complicated.

"Things have to be specified."

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