Ross Brawn has called on his rival outfits not to protest Mercedes rear-wing F-duct on Sunday, claiming it would be ‘unfortunate’ and ‘unpleasant’.
As we reported on Saturday, two key outfits; Lotus and Red Bull, are unhappy with the system which further stalls the rear-wing when the DRS is activated by channeling air through the endplates and out across the main plane.
It’s believed any protests will now be delayed until after the race if the teams decide to do so, which Brawn believes is unfair as its rivals could have protested earlier in the week when any outcome may not alter the race outcome.
“There were some stories earlier that there were going to be some protests, but I think that would be very unfortunate and it is not really the way to resolve these issues,” Brawn told Autosport.
“We have never really done that and a protest after qualifying or after a race is not very pleasant because it can be done on a Thursday or it can be done on a Friday when it is less critical, and the system can be turned off.
“To protest someone after they have been running is a bit unpleasant and not something that we would intentionally do. I hope it doesn’t deteriorate to that, but it is a new and novel system and we have to see, as always.”
The 57-year-old is hoping the system will remain legal, as has already been declared by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting, but they would comply with any decision even if it meant removing the system.
“Obviously if there is clarification to the point that the FIA are not happy with it, then we will change our position. If the FIA continue to be happy with it then we will continue to use it. We are happy with it,” he concluded.
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