The underfloor debate is heating up the minds of Formula One officials – McLaren sides with the FIA and calls for assertiveness
The dispute over the upcoming underbody rules is heating up tempers in the Formula One paddock. While six teams led by Red Bull and Ferrari are rebelling and want to change the FIA’s mind, on the other hand Mercedes and McLaren in particular are welcoming the action of the automobile world governing body.
McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl believes the FIA must “go through” with the planned changes to the underbody for the 2023 season “and not give in”, even though several teams are lobbying.
Under the new technical regulations for the 2022 season, teams had noticed the “porpoising phenomenon” in their cars due to the return of the “ground effect”, which some described as a safety issue.
McLaren “satisfied” with FIA decision
The FIA began taking action to address the issue on safety grounds over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend, but a number of teams questioned how widespread the problem was, with some struggling with “porpoising” more than others.
Last week, the FIA confirmed it would change the technical regulations for 2023, forcing teams to raise the underbody edges by 25 millimetres to alleviate the problem. Stricter testing will also be introduced to prevent flexible underbodies.
McLaren welcomes the move by the world governing body for automobiles, which Andreas Seidl also believes does not overstep the mark. “We are happy with the decisions and the leadership of the FIA in this matter,” Seidl said when asked about McLaren’s position in the dispute.
“When the whole thing started with the technical directive, the FIA made it clear that it was based on safety. So I think it’s very important now to follow through on that and not to give way in any direction. So I’m very happy with that. “
In addition to the existing group of six teams – Ferrari, Red Bull, AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo, Haas and Williams – there could even be enough support for a compromise accepting a more minor rule change.
If eight teams were to agree on the matter, it would create a “super majority” with which the change could be pushed through. Asked if McLaren would face lobbying from the six teams to support a minor change, Seidl replied, “No. We are an independent team, we form our own opinions and fight for what we think is right.”
“Again, we support the leadership of the FIA. It’s still an ongoing discussion, which is normal. But in the end, I think we will have clarity soon and we will focus on that and move on,” the McLaren team principal added.
