The FIA is preparing to issue a clarification regarding the operation of a diffuser design used by the Mercedes team.
As part of a recent upgrade package, Mercedes added extensions to the rear diffuser as it continued to push to retain its advantage at the head of the pecking order.
This year, F1 entered the sport under a new set of technical regulations, opening the scope for innovative ideas.
The Mercedes diffuser is one such example of this, while another instance is Ferrari and Red Bull's 'Macarena' rear wing that rotates on its axis.
However, Mercedes' diffuser has caught the attention of rival teams, with Ferrari asking the FIA for clarification on whether the design is legal or not.
This has often been done in the past, as the inquiring team often weigh up if it can develop its own version of the innovation.
But if that is not the intention, the FIA can issue a rule clarification to stop the design from being replicated and demand that the existing design be scrapped.
Sometimes, this can take effect immediately, while on other occasions, teams have time to make the necessary adjustments.
RacingNews365 understands that this is the case for Mercedes' diffuser following the request from Ferrari.
A document is being prepared with the Austrian Grand Prix being pinned as the starting point for it to take effect, however Mercedes is attempting to delay it until the following race at Silverstone.
This is due to logistical challenges, as the trucks have already left the factory for Austria.
The legal floor, in the eyes of Mercedes, is included, and it would require extra effort to arrive with a modified version.
Originally published by RacingNews365 —
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