Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has hit out at paddock “trash talk” during the Qatar Grand Prix after Red Bull questioned the legality of Mercedes’ rear wing in Qatar as Lewis Hamilton beat Max Verstappen to pole position in the desert. Wolff and his Red Bull counterpart Christian Horner have once again locked horns across the weekend, with an ongoing disagreement boiling over on Friday as the pair were partnered in an FIA press conference.
Red Bull argue that the supporting surface of Mercedes’ rear wing is deforming when driving down the straights at high speeds on track, which would reduce the drag on the W12.
Despite not lodging a formal protest to the FIA, Horner said they would be keeping a close eye on their main title rivals, adding that the FIA have taken a step and will be testing all rear wings after qualifying.
Mercedes say their car is fully legal and in line with FIA regulations, with Wolff telling Sky Sports F1 he feels it’s overtaken some of the track action this weekend, with Red Bull and Mercedes locked in a tense championship battle.
” I think there’s a little bit of too much focus in emphasis on politics and off-track trash talk. I think we need to concentrate on what’s happening on track.”
JUST IN:
Qatar GP qualifying results as superb Hamilton beats Verstappen