Big Boost to Lewis Hamilton as Horner Offers Saudi Arabian GP Update on Mercedes’ Controversial Suspension

Since the start of this season, Red Bull and Mercedes have been at war, with both the title-contending teams finding ways to pull each other down the drain. Barcelona was the starter of this diabolical warfare. where Mercedes accused Red Bull of using flexi-wing technology.

Well, the FIA intervened, reviewed the case, and ultimately released a verdict that went in favor of the Milton-Keynes outfit. Then followed a rather quiet phase as the on-track battle intensified between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.

Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 22, 2021 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in the pits during practice REUTERS/Mike Blake

It wasn’t until the Turkish Grand Prix that Red Bull fired another shot at their rivals, this time via allegations over the rear suspension. And of course, the talks have subsided, but Red Bull are starting to feel the pressure of this Mercedes rear-suspension set-up.

Red Bull were hardly a match against Mercedes at Istanbul Park, with Verstappen‘s pace awfully slow compared to Valtteri Bottas. Hence, there was a sense of fear in Christian Horner’s tone. The man from Warwickshire felt that this particular rear-suspension setup might offer a major boost to Mercedes’ pace in Jeddah.

“It was a reduced effect in the US. Somewhere like Jeddah, it could be quite powerful,” Horner said.

Red Bull deny protesting against Mercedes

The suspension unusually looked mobile and often forced the diffuser to the tarmac at high speed during the race at Istanbul Park.

Hence, amidst rising buzz around Mercedes’ rear, many anticipated Red Bull to lodge a protest against the Brackley outfit. However, in reality, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Horner reckoned that Mercedes have played by the rules.

As reported by GP Fans, Horner pointed out that Mercedes are playing well within the rulebook of F1, and that there is absolutely no point in taking this issue to the FIA.

Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 24, 2021 Red Bull team principal Christian Horner during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS 

“I don’t feel it is illegal no,” he said. “It’s something that has been used historically and we have seen it with them in the past but obviously, what we have seen in Turkey was quite an extreme version of it which that circuit seemed to allow.

“We’ve never said we don’t think it’s legal. So, therefore, there would be absolutely no reason to protest but it will have a greater influence at some tracks than at others.”

Overall, Mercedes’ hopes of clinching the driver’s trophy may be hanging in balance. But, they are certainly on course to claiming what could be their 8th consecutive constructor’s championship. But, will Red Bull deny Mercedes both the trophies?

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