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F1 ‘Pretty Volatile’ in the Wake of Ingenious Aerodynamic Solutions on Display at Bahrain Testing

Published 03/11/2022, 7:53 AM EST

With the new Mercedes W13 making its “podless” debut, controversies have already started to begin. F1 managing director of motorsports, Ross Brawn called this era of F1 as “pretty volatile”.

With the onset of the new FIA rules, fans expected hefty changes in the cars. The Barcelona pre-season testing was only a teaser for what we were about to see in Bahrain.

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The W13 made its debut on March 10, with Lewis Hamilton driving it on day 1.

Ross Brawn feels W13 changes are in the grey area

While the car was on track, it was making headlines on every media channel. Despite the W13 initially facing some challenges, is expected to make a solid comeback before the season begins. The new car has sidepods that are absolutely minimalized, they have shifted the cooling inlet upwards and flooring changes were visible.

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However, if the changes made to the car comply with all the FIA rules is something which is not guaranteed yet. Brawn believes that it is a “gray area” and depends on how Mercedes have interpreted the rules. Brawn said, “One of the significant things we changed was the governance of Formula 1,”

“In the past, we needed everybody to agree to a change in season. Now you can make a change with 80 per cent of the teams agreeing, as long as the FIA and Formula 1 also agree.”

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“Once the interpretation Mercedes has made has been understood, then we can get a balanced view and take a view on its impact, what effect it’s going to have.”

“At the end of the day you have to go on what the wording of the regulation is because you take it to a court, that’s what they judge it on.” He further added.

Bahrain and Barcelona saw different versions

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While the color of W13 was the same, the spirit surely wasn’t. The team looked very excited as the car was driven and team driver George Russell also claimed that the “W13’s been on a diet since Barcelona”. Needless to say, Mercedes’ rivals looked very concerned while the remarkable car made several laps.

Understandably, Brawn could not provide a surety on Mercedes‘ future with this version. While this change has been exciting for him, he cannot deny that the innovation of these models is volatile. He also pointed out how there have been several changes made to the cars after the Barcelona testing ended. The teams clearly came back with their homework done.

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The new season starts in 9 days at the Bahrain International Circuit while the teams provide final touches to the cars. Who are you rooting for?

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Written by:

Khyati Yadav is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. She is a Hospitality Graduate and a huge fan of Lando Norris. She believes that F1 as a sport deserves a lot more attention and is intrigued by the process that goes behind the making of a car and the hard work that goes into the setting up of any Grand Prix.

F1 ‘Pretty Volatile’ in the Wake of Ingenious Aerodynamic Solutions on Display at Bahrain Testing

Ross Brawn feels W13 changes are in the grey area

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Bahrain and Barcelona saw different versions