Helmut Marko of Red Bull believes Mercedes last-minute decision to vote in favour of new 2019 aerodynamic regulations was because the reigning champions had reached the end of their development path with the current regulations.
It was made known last weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix that Formula One would introduce new, simpler aero regulations for next season aimed at improving overtaking.
Marko believes that Mercedes' decision was made to hurt their rivals rather than for the betterment of the sport.
“Mercedes wanted the new rules because they’re at the end with their aerodynamic concept. They want to start from scratch because it hurts us,” he said.
Team boss of Mercedes, Toto Wolff denied this, saying that it was not an easy decision to make.
“Actually we were 60 against it and 40 for it,”
“Then we looked at the concept and saw that it made sense. You can’t always veto.”
Mercedes have had a much tougher season so far than in recent years, with both Ferrari and Red Bull showing that they can be a threat to their supremacy on the right day, and with Monaco on the horizon, it looks to continue that way.