F1 News: Toto Wolff Has Low Hopes For Rule Change As Red Bull Performance Questioned

FIA's new 'flexi-wing' measures garner mixed reactions from F1 figures as the Singapore Grand Prix approaches.

In the lead-up to the Singapore Grand Prix, FIA announced new measures targeting flexi-wings, while key figures like Toto Wolff express scepticism about the changes' impact. The uncertainty looms, especially surrounding teams like Red Bull and their potential performance shift.

Key Takeaways:

• The FIA has introduced measures specifically targeting teams utilizing 'flexi-wing tricks', but the overall outcome remains uncertain.
• Toto Wolff of Mercedes expresses curiosity regarding the impact, highlighting Aston Martin's recent step back in wing flexibility. He hints at a possible performance drop for Red Bull but remains skeptical of any drastic changes.
• Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, alongside Williams head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson, both believe that the changes won't lead to significant alterations in the competitive order, though some teams might feel minor effects.

The Formula 1 fraternity is buzzing with anticipation as the FIA rolls out its new measures ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix. These changes are squarely aimed at teams employing flexi-wing mechanisms, which have been a contentious point in the sport.

While fans and experts alike are speculating about which teams might be hit the hardest, Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, offers a cautious outlook. 

Reflecting on Aston Martin's recent modifications, Wolff noted:

"I think with the Aston Martin you've seen that they made a step backwards with their wing moving less, but I don't know the details. Let's wait and see." 

On the topic of Red Bull, a major competitor for Mercedes, Wolff jestingly remarked that it'd be "nice" if they were half a second slower but expressed doubts that such a scenario would unfold.

Lending further insight into the expected aftermath of these new rules, Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single-seater director, commented: 

“I don't think we'll see huge changes. Compared to other interventions done in the past, I don't expect revolutions.” 

He described the changes as 'medium-low level interventions', suggesting that the teams have been relatively accepting of them.

Dave Robson from Williams, reflecting on the technical directive, observed: 

“I think the way the TDs are written, they're clearly aimed at quite specific things that the FIA have seen.” 

“On the whole we don't think it affects us very much. There is a little bit we need to do on our floors, but on the wing side of things not a big deal. So yeah, hopefully it will slow some people down.”

As teams gear up for the Singapore Grand Prix, the full ramifications of these rules will only become clear once practice begins. Until then, the F1 world watches with bated breath.