Red Bull

Red Bull "can't magic up components" to replace flexi-wing - Horner

Stricter testing will be introduced from the French Grand Prix onwards.

Ewan Gale

Sunday 30 May 2021 09:29

Christian Horner has shrugged off suggestions the FIA's implementation of new rear wing load tests should be brought forward because you "can't magic up components".

Red Bull was accused by Lewis Hamilton of having a "bendy" rear wing at the Spanish Grand Prix, with the FIA quickly stating sterner load testing would be carried out to ensure all components comply with F1's technical regulations.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has suggested a potentially "messy" Azerbaijan Grand Prix with the threat of legal action due to the delay to testing until the French event.

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"When you’re effectively changing a rule, there has to be a lead time," said Horner. "You can’t just magic up components.

"I think if they changed the test on the front wings, for example, and we’ve seen far more performance from front wing flexibility, shall we say, then that would affect every single team, some much greater than others.

"You can’t expect parts just to be magicked up overnight with the costs that are incurred with that.

"The car complies with the regulations that have been there for the last 18 months or so with these load tests and then the test or the regulation has been changed, or the test has been changed, and there has to be a notice period for that."

Aston Martin back Mercedes on flexi-wing debate

Over the Monaco GP weekend, Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer indicated he would throw his support behind Mercedes to ensure flexi-wings were eradicated.

Szafnauer has also contradicted Horner's comments with regard to a timeframe in developing a new component.

"To design something that flexes just the right amount and to pass the tests but still flex takes a big effort," he explained when asked how long it would take to design a new part.

"To design something that is stiff doesn’t take effort at all and it can be done very, very quickly.”