Renault managing director Bob Bell has hit out at the FIA’s decision to pass the innovative McLaren rear wing/vent system in scrutineering this weekend.
The vent is controlled by the drivers enabling the McLaren to stall the rear wing and give the Mercedes powered car less drag and more straight-line speed.
Talking to the BBC, Bell said, “It is fundamentally clear that the McLaren wing design is totally illegal – and they have driven a cart horse through the spirit of the rules and regulations.
“They have opened up another arms race; it’s going to cost everybody a lot of money. The governing body needs to be a lot stronger with these things.”
He added: “I think that it is ridiculous in this era where we are all trying to save money. We are restricted by the number of people that we can bring to the track, with mechanics working ridiculous hours at night to prepare the car.
“Now we have just opened another arms race that will cost us all a lot of money. It’s just a nonsense. I think the governing body needs to be more responsible in decisions like this.”
Red Bull have previously criticised the design but accept the decision made by the FIA with team boss Christian Horner admitting if you can’t beat them join them.
Asked if his team would be logging a protest he replied “I honestly couldn’t comment on that at this stage, it’s obviously not out of the question that any team could protest at this stage.”
