Mercedes hopeful for F1 boost after latest FIA rule change

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has voiced “intrigue” over how the FIA technical intervention on flexing wings will impact the F1 pecking order. Amid concern over how much the wings were flexing at high speed, the FIA stepped in several months ago and ordered a clampdown from Barcelona onward. F1 teams have been preparing the neccessary changes ever since, while questions have arisen over how much it will impact the overall pace. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has labelled it as a potential “game-changer” at the front of the field. Offering his own thoughts on the subject, Wolff said: “With 16 races left, there is a long way to go.  “The team is still pushing to find performance and this weekend's updated front wing technical directive will provide another level of intrigue.  “We are focused on ourselves though and looking forward to having the opportunity to do a better job than we have done at the last two races.” Barcelona hosts the ninth round of the campaign this weekend, a venue that has been a strong hunting ground for Mercedes in the past. While its current challenger is unable to consistently keep up at the front of the field, Wolff is confident the circuit layout will provide further insights into the car's strengths and weaknesses. “It is a circuit that provides a good test of a car, with a mixture of low, medium, and high-speed corners,” he said. “That will be useful for assessing our recent updates and our position relative to our competitors as we move into the second third of the season.”