Ferrari are poised to launch a protest against the changing of the regulations next season over concerns that it will hamper the performance of Red Bull and Ferrari.
This is according to Auto Motor und Sport journalist Michael Schmidt, who suggested that Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto will attempt to veto the alterations next season.
The proposed changes next season include a raising of the front wing edges and the diffuser throat, as well as a strengthening of the deflection tests and oscillation sensors.
It stems from safety concerns due to “porpoising” and bouncing, which are a biproduct of ground effect aerodynamics brought back in by the new technical regulations.
Mercedes’ Sir Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have struggled physically with the violent contact with the track surface this season, and it has been costing them performance on the straight as well.
The view from the Ferrari and Red Bull camps is that the Silver Arrows are using safety to get the governing body to make changes in their favour so that they can climb back up the order.
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Another argument against it, raised by Red Bull boss Christian Horner, is that the teams have already started putting next year’s cars together, so it is detrimental to everyone if the rules are now changed, as the cars would have to be completely redesigned.
As the proposed legislation next year is related to safety, it would not have to pass through a vote of the FIA world council, so there is no guarantee that a veto from Ferrari would have any impact.
It is understood that Ferrari and Red Bull are among six teams who are revolting against the new rules.
For Mercedes’ part, they have insisted that there is no guarantee any changes to the law would help them in any way.