Toto Wolff discusses Mercedes breaking the rules.

The Silver Arrows have gained significant attention in the paddock after revealing a new innovative design during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Toto Wolff, head of the Mercedes team, confirmed that the team has been in ongoing discussions with the FIA regarding the front wing of their 2024 challenger, the W15. The Silver Arrows have gained significant attention in the paddock after revealing a new innovative design during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Confirming the legality of the revolutionary design of the W15’s front wing, which has faced scrutiny due to its impact on controlling the airflow around the car, Wolff stated: “The implementation of any component of the car is always subject to detailed exchange with the FIA throughout the entire process. It is not a matter of simply adding a clever idea to test and hoping it will not be questioned. It is a lengthy process of dialogue that takes place during the winter. I believe we are in a satisfactory position.” Mercedes was not the only team to introduce bold development ideas in Bahrain. Red Bull chose to emulate the design concept of the Silver Arrows’ 2022 and 2023 challengers, drawing inspiration from the ‘zeropod’ concept while seeking to defend their consecutive Constructors’ Championship titles. Addressing the similarities between Red Bull’s new car and Mercedes’ previous design, Wolff explained: “The reality is that you can never be sure; each team follows its own development path and strives to gain an advantage in the virtual world, simulators, and wind tunnels. They will implement their ideas in the car regardless of what other teams are doing. We abandoned our zero-pod concept and certain features because we felt they did not improve the car’s performance. Therefore, we switched to a design that may appear more conventional at first glance, but we believe it offers a more solid foundation.” If the first day of pre-season testing is any indication, Red Bull’s design choices during the winter have proven to be successful. Current world champion Max Verstappen dominated the morning session, consistently leading the times, and extended his advantage in the afternoon session. Verstappen, one of only two drivers to complete both sessions, set a lap time that was over 1.1 seconds faster than Lando Norris, who finished the first day of testing in second place. The impressive lap left race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase amused in the Red Bull garage and serves as a warning to the rest of the grid.