The FIA has reminded manufacturers of Formula 1 engines that they are not allowed to burn engine oil like fuel, after Red Bull suspected Mercedes to do so in qualifying.
In fact, Red Bull suspects Mercedes is using such a qualifying process, which in part explains the power surplus on the part of the world champion team last year over certain periods of the weekend. The competition imagined that Mercedes could use an additive to burn excess engine oil, which would result in a boost.
Mercedes obviously denied these accusations, and ensures never to have recourse to such procedure in accordance with the regulation to the letter. In direct response to all these accusations, Mercedes had put forward the possibility of setting a limit of use of oil of 5 kilos.
This proposal was rejected, since this amount of oil would still have allowed the initial use of the system to be diverted. The FIA wanted to calm down the game by telling the F1 teams that any fuel oil combustion was strictly prohibited.
Meanwhile, Team Principal of the Red Bull F1 team, Christian Horner, believes Red Bull’s suspension system is within the regulations after the outfit consulted the FIA.
There has been controversy among teams removing the legality of clever hydraulic suspension systems in F1 since Ferrari sought clarification of the rules late last year, with race director Charlie Whiting expected to issue a technical directive.
“The FIA appear to be happy with the way we have interpreted the rules,” said Horner to media. “If anybody has a problem with that, they have the right to protest. We can only go on the advice we receive from the governing body. Certainly all the feedback we’ve had has been – [there is] no issue.” he added.
On the other hand, Honda confirmed that Honda’s Gilles Simon is expected to leave his position in the course of the 2017 season. This is yet another blow to the McLaren-Honda team shortly before the start of the season.
Honda engine expert Gilles Simon leaves. (Source:www.motosport.com)
The working team is still in trouble this year with its engine partner Honda and is expected to ride on the MCL32 this week in Barcelona a power unit version of Australia. He even whispers in the paddock that the McLaren of Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne will be a completely different version than that used during reviews these two weeks in Barcelona.
McLaren-Honda must make sure to sign good results this year in F1, failing to lose Fernando Alonso, tired of the situation that has lasted for two seasons now.
