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Max Verstappen Wants the FIA to Put a Tighter Leash on Mercedes F1

Published 06/25/2021, 9:05 AM EDT

Red Bull and their flexi-wings have, for a while now, been a controversial topic in F1. Mercedes, being their primary title competition this year, have alleged that the wings go against the rules and have demanded an investigation into the same. Responding to this ever-expanding debate, Max Verstappen has stated that he believes the Silver Arrows should be put under the magnifying glass as well.

Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History.

What did Max Verstappen say?

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Mercedes have repeated criticized Red Bull regarding their rear wings. Taking their complaints into account, the FIA clamped down on the rule loophole by establishing new rigidity tests from France onwards.

However, Max Verstappen have also pointed out fingers at the Silver Arrows, stating if the rear wings of the Milton Keynes-based team are under scrutiny then FIA should also inspect Mercedes’ front wings.

“I do think when you are checking the rear wing, you should also be checking the front wing,” said Max Verstappen at the driver’s press conference ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix.

“Because I think the front wing has a bigger effect on the car. It’s up to the FIA now of course to do these checks. Clearly, they have done the checks on the rear wing, so it’s up to them.”

Flexi-wing not behind the performance: Christian Horner

After securing the double podium at Le Castellet, the Milton Keynes-based team have extended their lead over Mercedes by 37 points in the Constructors’ Championship.

The Dutch overtake the 7-time time world champion with just two laps remaining after a clever pit stop strategy by Christian Horner and co.

When asked how much of a relief it was to win the French GP despite the technical directives from the FIA, Christian Horner said, “A lot of comments have been made in the last few weeks. We’ve had accusations made.

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“But we’ve complied with the rules and the way that we’ve reacted I think shows the strength and depth, that our performance isn’t based on rear wing flexibility.

“[At] all times we’ve always followed the prescriptions from Pirelli, and obviously the increase in tire pressure this weekend was challenging for all the teams. But again, the engineering team have done a great job in optimising the car around it.”

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