The newly rebranded Aston Martin Formula 1 team will once again attempt to use parts from the previous year’s Mercedes car, but this time it will be legal. Racing Point hit the headlines in 2020 when they were accused of copying the Mercedes 2019 W10 challenger to improve performance. The argument centred around the rear brake ducts which were eventually deemed illegal and the team were docked 15 constructors’ championship points and handed a €400,000 fine. However, that hasn’t deterred them, with the British team planning on taking advantage of the FIA regulations and using the same rear suspension system this year as the world champions introduced in 2020. Mercedes’ 2020 rear suspension gave their W11 much more downforce and lowered the car’s aerodynamic centre, giving the drivers the confidence to be more aggressive in the knowledge that the car would remain planted. It’s little wonder Aston Martin want to exploit this to their benefit. And rightly or wrongly, they can under the current rules as the suspension is not on the FIA’s list of parts each team must manufacture on their own. It won’t cost them any of their all-important development tokens either and could give them an advantage to begin the new season.
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