Ross Brawn admits F1 didn’t expect Mercedes’ ‘very extreme’ sidepod design

Ross Brawn has admitted that Mercedes have used a ‘very extreme interpretation’ of Formula One’s new regulations in the design of the controversial new W13.

Mercedes are already in a row with championship rivals Red Bull after just one day of the final pre-season testing in Bahrain on Thursday.

Debate is raging around Mercedes’ virtually non-existent sidepods, which are designed to allow greater airflow to improve downforce and therefore increase speed.

Mercedes caused a stir on the first day of Formula One testing in Bahrain with their new design

The sidepods (pictured above) are an area of innovation for Mercedes in this version of the car

The new car was allegedly described as ‘illegal’ by Red Bull principal Christian Horner, something denied by his Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff.

And F1 managing director Brawn admitted everyone had been taken by surprise by the ‘fairly different concept’ and we could yet see a mid-season vote to ban their innovation.

Brawn told Sky Sports: ‘There’s no doubt the Mercedes concept we didn’t anticipate. It’s a very extreme interpretation of the regulation and inevitably there is going to be a lot of debate.

‘It’s impressive. I think this is the great thing about the innovation in Formula One.

Lewis Hamilton took the new-look Mercedes for a spin on Thursday in Bahrain

Mercedes and all of the other teams have to comply with FIA design regulations 

‘It’s just keeping them within the boundaries which are sensible and there are no compromises in terms of the objectives that we wanted to achieve.

‘I think you have to be fair. When a team comes up with an idea with innovation, with novelty, you shouldn’t penalise it straight away.

‘But I think, as it’s understood more, and the FIA really as the regulators will know everything that’s going on there.

‘We don’t as Formula One because we’re not entitled to have that information, but the regulators will know everything that’s going on.

‘I think they’re okay with it so far but of course a team may come in and raise an objection that the FIA have to consider and then you have a problem.

F1 chief Ross Brawn admitted Mercedes’ design was an ‘extreme interpretation’ of new rules

Red Bull denied that Christian Horner claimed the new Mercedes car is ‘not legal’ 

‘I’ve been through that many times where your idea is okay, the FIA agree it’s okay and a team comes in with a perspective that has never been considered and have an argument that’s valid.

‘I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of discussion about it but it’s impressive. For a set of rules which everybody said were too prescriptive, we’re seeing all these solutions.’

Horner, in comments later disputed and retracted, was reported to have said: ‘From our point of view, Mercedes went a step too far. That doesn’t correspond to the spirit of the regulations. For us, these wings are illegal.’

Respected German journalist Michael Schmidt quoted Horner as saying: ‘These are not mirror mounts, but two wings. They also have vertical baffles built on top. They have nothing to do with the mirror mount. 

‘From our point of view, Mercedes went a step too far. That does not correspond to the spirit of the regulations. For us, these wings are illegal.’

Hamilton will hope the new design can give him a speed advantage over his rivals

Red Bull then made a statement saying: ‘Christian Horner has not given any interviews regarding Mercedes’ car. Any quotes being attributed to him this morning are incorrect.’  

The car was approved by the FIA and inspectors were informed of the data and details weeks ago.  

Mercedes opted to use the more basic version of the car for the first testing event in Barcelona but changed things up in the Middle East, which is the same track as the first race of the season in under two weeks’ time. 

They have also added some sidepods and fins that run alongside the cockpit. 

The sidepods are designed to allow the car to cool as efficiently as possible and feature a series of vents. 

The vents have been allowed to return to cars this season. Mercedes have gone for a radical approach of having the SIS completely detached from the sidepod.

Time will tell if their innovation pays off and leads to an advantage on track for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.