Red Bull and the flow meters: « We have a solid case »

During the first race in Australia, Daniel Ricciardo finished second. However, following a breach of the authorized fuel flow, he was disqualified. Red Bull appealed this decision because they believe, according to their own measurements, that they did not exceed the authorized limit. The Austrian team claims to have arguments to reclaim the second place in the Melbourne race.

According to Christian Horner, the director of the Austrian team, the last two race weekends have strengthened Red Bull’s case. He states: “I think we have a solid case. As more races have taken place, the problem has become even more evident. We hope to present our arguments honestly and reclaim the second place that Daniel deserved in Melbourne.”

One of the problems to which the team leader from Milton Keynes alludes occurred during the Malaysian Grand Prix. Indeed, the flow meter installed on Ricciardo’s car had failed before the start of this race. Red Bull had therefore decided to replace the official flow meter with one they had calibrated themselves, having informed the Federation beforehand. The measurements recorded during the Sepang race did not show any exceeding of the limit.

The other argument in which the Austrian team is very confident concerns a technical directive from the FIA that circulated in early March. This directive stipulated when teams would be authorized to use their own data. Red Bull did not comply with this directive but claims it was not regulatory.

Horner had declared to Sky Sports: « I think the problem with the Technical Directive is the same as in the Pirelli case or with the double diffuser, which is that the directive, as now stated at the bottom of the document, is the opinion of the Technical Delegate: it is not a rule, it is not regulatory, it is purely an opinion. We are obliged to comply with the Technical and Sporting Regulations. Article 5.1.4 of the Technical Regulations says that we cannot exceed 100 kg/h of fuel flow: we have not done so. Therefore, our view is that we have not broken the rules and that Technical Directives do not hold regulatory value. »

The FIA inflexible on flow meters

The president of the International Automobile Federation, Jean Todt, remains steadfast in his position. During the Bahrain Grand Prix, he reiterated that rules are made to be followed. For him, exceeding the authorized fuel flow is equivalent to a non-compliant body part and should be treated in the same way.

He states: « It wouldn’t be a problem for me not to have a flow meter, but the only issue is that it would be like making an engine with unlimited displacement. The only way to limit engine power is with an FIA-controlled flow meter. It’s like with the floor. You have dimensions, and if your floor doesn’t meet the standard dimensions, you are excluded. »

The verdict will be announced on Monday.