F1 MD and technical boss, Ross Brawn admits that he would be "amazed" if the Azerbaijan stewards declare Red Bull's rear wing to have contravened the rules.

Other than the (hoped for) excitement on track next weekend, fans can be assured of fun and games off track also, as Mercedes prepares to protest its title rival over its rear wing.

Warning that if unsuccessful the case could go to the International Court of Appeal (ICA) - thereby leaving the race result in limbo - Mercedes would probably have to protest Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Alpine also, for all are understood to be similarly contravening the rules.

Other than the legality of the rear wing, Mercedes is also unhappy at the delay in introducing an upgraded test until the French Grand Prix, thereby effectively handing those teams running suspect wings a 'get out of jail free' card in Baku, where such a wing could be significantly beneficial.

However, asked if he is concerned that a protest would leave the race result in limbo, possibly for several months, F1 MD and technical chief, Ross Brawn said: "No, I don't think so.

"I think the FIA have been pretty consistent with their approach," he added, according to ESPN. "I'd be amazed if the stewards go against the opinion of the FIA.

"I think this is probably flexi rear wing version 27," he continued, referring to the numerous sagas over the years. "In 40 years of motor racing, I've been through this many times.

"I can remember Patrick Head jumping on our front wing in parc ferme because he considered that it wasn't stiff enough. He wanted to demonstrate to Charlie (Whiting) that it wasn't stiff enough, so he actually stood on it and bounced up and down to demonstrate how flexible it was.

"There are a set of FIA tests and that's the only way we have been able to determine the limits of what you can do. If you pass the tests and some teams don't like it, the FIA can look at it, say 'fair point' and stiffen the tests and do different tests, so it's perpetual.

"I honestly don't believe there is any case for going in a different route to solve the problem, because I don't know how you quantify it. One person's view of it being too flexible is another person's view of it being OK, and that's why we have the tests.

"If you put a mechanism in there or a hinge in there, I agree that's not correct. But within the normal compliance of the structure, I don't see a problem."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by aroutis, 31/05/2021 12:28

"Basically here's what I would do.
I would ask every rear wing from the teams and I would devise the test in such a fashion that ALL the wings would fail it.
Then I 'd ask the teams to a meeting and put it to a vote. Do you want a new test or do you want this to go on? And mind you, every team that will protest a wing implementation from now forth, this is the process.
Let's see what would happen. "

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2. Posted by NS Biker, 30/05/2021 23:51

"Wings bend and flex, they always will.
The FIA has established a limitation on how much flex, X, for a load Y, applied at a position and angle Z.
RB is entirely correct that all of the teams have their wings tested according to the rules. Either they pass, as is the current case, or they don't and the team heads back to the shop to fix them.
Some are thinking that a wing can be designed for zero flex. Don't we wish, but this is not possible. All materials deflect under load. How much and the direction is the magic.
Not that many can do it now-a-days, but fly in any modern aircraft, Boeing 777 as an eg. and watch the wing during take-off. The amount of flex is scary and amazing."

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3. Posted by Pavlo, 30/05/2021 15:53

"Did Mercedes already invent a material that doesn’t bend at all? Mr. Brown is completely right: the only way to define “not flexible” is by defining a quantitive measure.
If I were the FIA, I would mandate a test a bit stricter, so that Mercedes doesn’t pass it as well. Otherwise Mercedes gets unfair advantage that they don’t have to redesign aero."

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4. Posted by kenji, 29/05/2021 23:49

"@Roli...his views are far from being irrelevant. But never mind, just cancel him."

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5. Posted by KKK, 29/05/2021 20:46

"In the position heholds, and is paid for, he just cant make such a statement. Its not his job and his views are irrelevant."

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6. Posted by Tom2681, 29/05/2021 18:16

"I hope the protest is thrown out. Enough of this "spirit of the rules" nonsense already.
If the wing passes the test, it's legal. End of story, move on."

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7. Posted by kenji, 28/05/2021 23:00

"Maybe it's because someone asked him for his opinion and he gave it. Freedom of speech is still in force in some areas of the world. "

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8. Posted by Burton, 28/05/2021 16:54

"Why is someone in a position of power even publicly commenting about potential steward decisions? Sometimes doing a PC evasive reply is preferable."

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9. Posted by KKK, 28/05/2021 15:43

"They have already admitted that the wings bend, they should either be banned completely or allow the wings to bend."

Brawn doubts success of protest of Red Bull wing

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