Christian Horner has delivered a tongue-in-cheek response to suggest that Red Bull could replicate Aston Martin's rear wing concept. Aston Martin's latest bodywork updates triggered debate across the paddock at the Hungarian Grand Prix, after appearing to find a loophole in the technical regulations which were introduced for this season. The 2022 rules were brought in to reduce the turbulent air coming off the cars, which was a big factor in denying close racing in recent seasons, and the design constraints around the rear wing end plate of this year's Formula 1 cars were one of the elements in the design changes. The channelled design introduced by Aston Martin has been declared legal by the FIA and accepted as a clever interpretation of the regulations. Despite this, teams could still meet to further discuss its legality and whether or not a ban could be encouraged.
Krack unfazed by wing legality questions
Speaking ahead of the race in Hungary, Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack was not concerned about the legality of the design or the prospect of the wing being outlawed in future races. "When developing a wing or developing ideas, you normally do not wait until the last moment before you show it," Krack told media, including RacingNews365.com "So, we were in touch with the FIA, all along the development, to understand if this is something that will be accepted. And it finally was, so that was for us the moment where we said, 'Okay, we go for it'. "I think there is nothing special at the end of the day. It's an interpretation of the rules and we developed a wing, according to that, in conjunction with FIA, and that's it basically. "I'm not concerned about supermajority or anything. If the rules are changing, or these kinds of designs are not allowed, we will cope with it."
Horner: Maybe we'll copy it!
It's not the first time that Aston Martin's car has been the centre of attention regarding bodywork design. Earlier in the season, the team faced criticism from Red Bull for turning up to the Spanish Grand Prix with a car that had a similar design philosophy to the RB18. In a nod to the earlier controversy, Red Bull boss Christian Horner responded: "I guess if it complies with the regulations, that's the main thing. It opens up another avenue, and that's interesting. "Maybe for once we'll copy something off an Aston Martin rather than the other way around. So, you never know!" Also speaking before the summer break, McLaren's Andreas Seidl added that he respected the FIA's decision on the rear wing, and said his team would assess their designs accordingly. "We will look into this design, probably next week, and then make our mind up if that's the route we want to follow as well," Seidl added. "There are rules in place, we trust the FIA to make the right calls here in terms of policing them. So far, so good, I would say."
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