SAO PAULO − According to Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko, Mercedes claims that Max Verstappen damaged Lewis Hamilton’s rear wing in parc ferme conditions after qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Lewis, who was referred to the stewards over a possible Drag Reduction System (DRS) infringement following Friday’s qualifying session at Interlagos, had his hearing yesterday, where it was deemed that Lewis was in breach of TD/011-19, which meant he was excluded from Friday’s qualifying classification and sent to the back of the field for the sprint.
Since fan footage appeared to show Max touching the rear wing on Hamilton’s car after qualifying, the Dutchman was also summoned to the stewards over an alleged breach of the FIA International Sporting Code relating to parc ferme conditions.
As the Formula One world awaits a verdict for both drivers, Helmut says Mercedes have turned the tables on Max and Red Bull.
“The unbelievable thing is that Mercedes now claims that Max damaged Hamilton’s rear wing with his fingers," Helmut told F1-Insider.
Speculation has arisen over whether Mercedes would use Max’s actions as evidence in their hearing regarding Hamilton’s rear wing despite each case initially seeming to be separate.
Former Formula One driver turned pundit Karun Chandhok, however, played down such suggestions of Max causing any damage.
“For those asking if Max could have manipulated the wing, let’s all be clear that the wings are designed to sustain hundreds of kilos of load without breaking,” wrote Karun on Twitter.
“Andre the giant could sit on it! As fit and strong as Max is, I doubt he managed to bend the wing…” – Agencies, November 14, 2021
