Aston Martin "collateral damage" with FIA targeting Mercedes - Wolff

Toto Wolff believes Aston Martin has become "collateral damage" after suggesting Mercedes was targeted by the FIA with this year's regulations changes.

The new aerodynamic rules were introduced to reduce downforce and have particularly affected the low-rake cars run by Mercedes and Aston Martin.

Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer has made clear he is to discuss the situation with the FIA, and has even suggested the team could sue if it fails to gain an appropriate response.

Wolff has previously made clear the situation needs to be looked at, particularly as the rule changes were made at a time when Pirelli's tyres were struggling to cope with the increased downforce levels and the company was not in a position to develop due to the Covid-19 situation last year.

Pirelli, however, has since introduced what F1 boss Mario Isola has described as "a more robust construction" for this season.

Appreciating Aston Martin's position, Wolff said: "I understand the topic because how the rules have fallen into place last year, one can always question what the motivation was.

"I think there is certainly the right to review, to look at things and discuss them with the FIA to find out what has actually happened, and how have things happened.

"That's why I respect Aston Martin's enquiry into the whole thing."

Given the level to which Aston Martin has been affected, Wolff added: "Maybe things were targeted at us and they are collateral damage."

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has declared Szafnauer "naive" for asking for the rules to be changed after just one race.

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