Red Bull accuse F1 rivals of rear wing trick

F1 teams could be subject to fresh scrutiny from the FIA after new accusations over the operation of a “mini-DRS” have come to light.

Every F1 squad was present in Bahrain this week to take part in pre-season testing ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off in two weeks' time with the Australian Grand Prix.

As is always the case at the start of the new F1 season, cars are under scrutiny from their rivals as they attempt to uncover secrets.

The fresh allegations come amid the FIA's clampdown over how much wings can flex, with new regulations relating to the rear wings in place from the start of the season after concerns were raised last year.

But it seems it has not taken long for one team to flag a potential issue, with Red Bull technical director Pierre Wache pointing to the rear wing of rivals Ferrari and McLaren.

“It is still going on,” Wache told The Race. “I think Ferrari and McLaren are doing the mini-DRS stuff still.”

The Race reports two key behaviour characteristics have emerged - one being the entire rear structure rotating backwards and the other being teams continuing to play with the slot gap at high speed.

McLaren changed its rear wing last year after rival teams took issue with the element after on-board cameras showed it flexing at top speed.

However, it seems the matter has not been put to bed, with an unnamed team principal stating: "Looking at the videos we have seen, some of the rear wings out there appear to be quite flexible. 

“It is something we are keeping a very close eye on.”

Wache added that he expects the subject to be a key talking point at the start of the season.

Further changes to the front wings will be introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix, which hosts round nine of the campaign.

Teams are not subject to strict legality compliance during pre-season testing, meaning if there are real concerns, it is likely to become a major talking point in the build-up to the opening round from Melbourne.