Szafnauer: 'Input from teams on flexi wing can help FIA a lot'

Lately there has been a lot of talk about the flexi-wing in Formula 1. The flexi-wings can, especially on long stretches, create a big advantage for the teams who use them. And Baku just happens to have a very long straight. Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer sees the storm coming, but trusts the FIA.

This in itself is remarkable, as earlier this year Aston Martin threatened to take steps against the FIA due to the current season's rule changes. These threats were eventually withdrawn, and now the confidence in the FIA has apparently increased again when it comes to the flexi wing. This he says in an interview with Formel1.de. "I think the resources of the FIA are as good now as they were before - if not better. I think they are well equipped in this respect." So he is, for now, anything but worried.

Aston Martin offers help

The test around the flexi wing will only start from the French GP, but in Baku there could already be protests. Szafnauer however prefers an open dialogue. For what exactly? To gain information.

"Maybe a little input from the teams can help the FIA a lot. Aston Martin is happy to help. If you add up all ten teams, we have thousands and thousands of engineers dealing with the rules all the time. That's at least 5,000 engineers. So we can be a resource in situations like this." Whether that will come of it remains to be seen.