The FIA rule change that could hurt McLaren and Mercedes at the Dutch Grand Prix

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Mercedes are aiming for a fourth victory in five races when the Formula 1 season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend. Lewis Hamilton inherited the win at Spa last time out after George Russell was disqualified.

Russell kick-started the Silver Arrows’ resurgence when he capitalised on Max Verstappen’s collision with Lando Norris to win in Austria. But it was a mixture of pure pace and clever strategic thinking that got Hamilton back onto the top step at Silverstone a week later.

Meanwhile, McLaren will once again bid to close the gap to Red Bull in the constructors’ championship. Both drivers have consistently delivered each weekend, which has allowed them to make the most of Sergio Perez’s woes.

But at the individual level, they will feel they have missed opportunities to win races. Norris could be a genuine title contender without those ‘what if’ moments.

If either team is to win at Zandvoort, they’ll have to end Verstappen’s streak. The 26-year-old has yet to be beaten in any meaningful session since the event returned to the calendar in 2021.

Immediately before the break, McLaren seemed to have the strongest package, with Mercedes close to Red Bull in third. But Verstappen, with the support of the Orange Army, seems to have mastered the 2.7-mile layout.

FIA asymmetric braking rule could impact McLaren and Mercedes at Zandvoort

The FIA have made a potentially significant change to the regulations during the summer break. Under article 11.1.2, ‘any system or mechanism that can structurally or intentionally produce asymmetric braking for any axle is prohibited’.

According to Motorsport.com Netherlands, Mercedes and McLaren have been ‘linked to such cleverness’. There has been chatter about such systems featuring on their cars.

The Dutch GP will demonstrate which teams, if any, are impacted by the clampdown. Each team is obliged to shut down their factory for two weeks during the break, but they can use the rest to work on their cars.

At the last race in Belgium, the FIA used cameras to examine certain teams’ front wings. There’s no indication yet of any fresh moves to counter flexible bodywork.

Red Bull mechanic rejects ‘conspiracy’ theories about 2024 decline

Virtually every season, F1 teams will complain about parts on rival cars that they believe don’t fit the regulations. It’s inevitable in a sport where many rules are open to interpretation.

For instance, Red Bull flagged a hole in McLaren’s brake covers, which the FIA subsequently forced them to close. They believed it was helping them control tyre temperatures.

There has also been speculation about the world champions, however. Ex-F1 test driver Robin Frijns says the FIA ‘found something’ on Red Bull’s car and the enforced changes could explain their decline.

However, one Red Bull mechanic has rejected the ‘conspiracy’ theories online right now. He says McLaren and Mercedes instead deserve credit for legitimately closing the gap.