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Audi could have leveraged their experience in the WEC to gain a huge leg up over other teams, but the FIA succumbed to pressure from other teams.
With the new F1 regulations, there has been a lot of chatter about the disadvantageous position many teams find themselves in.
Drivers like Max Verstappen have demanded serious changes from the new regulations, claiming that it puts them in a difficult position.
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With the new rule change, Mercedes will benefit from the new starting procedures. But the overall impact on driver struggles is yet to be known.
While Mercedes compromised on the recent rule change, other F1 teams didn’t want to allow for a crucial rule amendment early on, as Audi would have benefited more than any other team.
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FIA didn’t allow front axle to be used in recovery process after pressure from rival manufacturers
Peter Windsor spoke to Mark Slade in a recent interview, where he asked the former McLaren engineer why the FIA didn’t allow for the front axle to be used in the energy recovery process in the new regulations.
Slade revealed that rival manufacturers and teams felt that Audi would have an unfair advantage over them due to their experience and knowledge in the WEC, where the front axle is prominently used for energy recovery. As a result they approached the FIA and coerced them to shut this idea down.
“As I understand it, it was because the other engine manufacturers that were already in Formula 1 were worried that Audi coming in would have an advantage because of their knowledge of front axle recovery from the World Endurance Championship.
“So the other team basically pressured the FIA into not allowing that, because they were worried they were going to have a disadvantage in terms of knowledge compared to Audi, who could have come in using their existing knowledge of that. Personally, they should have been allowed to be pressured.”
Several F1 experts have pointed out that using the front axle can fix the energy recovery problems that many drivers and teams are facing this season.
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Audi performing well despite key regulation facet being blocked
For all of the efforts rival teams put in to try to ensure Audi didn’t have this advantage over them, they’ve actually performed quite well this season.
While Audi have just two points in the constructors’ standings, they’ve managed to earn points in a car few expected to bring them results this early on.
Both Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto have struggled to finish, and in some cases, start races this season, but their performance in the Japanese Grand Prix showed they have made improvements.
As the season goes on, and under the more singular leadership of Mattia Binotto, Audi can bring in points on a regular basis if things go well for them.
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