Fuel flow

[Bagwan]

Have we just seen a master stroke by Merc ?

Recently , we heard that Red Bull asked about disrupting fuel flow meters and was told "no can do" .
It was then noticed that Ferrari seemingly were slower , prompting Max to remark that they weren't cheating any more .
When Max was ahead the next race , Seb was heard to remark about Red Bull perhaps cheating .

Now , it seems , fuel system elements from both Ferrari and Honda have been confiscated for close scrutiny .

Apparently , it was Merc that did the research behind the allegation in the first place , but they declined to take it to the FIA , themselves .

Nice move . No protest , yet two rivals dealing with investigation distractions .

[gm99]

Apparently , it was Merc that did the research behind the allegation in the first place , but they declined to take it to the FIA , themselves .

Nice move . No protest , yet two rivals dealing with investigation distractions .

With the constructor's championship and first and second in the drivers' sewn up, Mercedes doesn't really have any rivals this season any more. Maybe that's why they didn't lodge a protest themselves.

[Bagwan]

With the constructor's championship and first and second in the drivers' sewn up, Mercedes doesn't really have any rivals this season any more. Maybe that's why they didn't lodge a protest themselves.

You're right about that , but it seems that all will be allowed to "run what they brung" for this last outing , as the FIA has said that they will be introducing a new fuel flow meter into the mix for next year , but not next race .

It sounds to me like they've had this info in their pocket for a while , to use if needed , but only brought it out close to the end , in prankish style , to get some use out of money spent .
Any distraction is time away from next year's design , so you even score by getting someone else to protest .

I want to note , though , that there was no protest , but rather a cheeky question from Red Bull about whether it would be OK to screw with the existing meter .
The question , being cheeky , was likely what prompted Max to bring up the notion of red cars cheating , which prompted Seb to remark about Red Bull cheating , which got both Honda and Ferrari stuff confiscated .

I see a scenario where Toto approaches Christian , and says "Here's your proof " , handing him a manila envelope , "but don't bother to protest now , this late . Just ask a cheeky question about screwing with flow meters ."