b5c354fd6303d99cb0ae406a0fb1cb42b1c59fc5

Brawn backs stewards decision saying Ricciardo was a passenger in Red Bull crash

20:15, 01 May 2018

byMatt

Ross Brawn believes Daniel Ricciardo was “a passenger” in the Red Bull crash between the two team-mates. According to the sporting chief, the collision with Verstappen wasn’t helped by the current aerodynamic rules.

The accident occurred after plenty of jostling between the two Red Bulls. Daniel Ricciardo ended up running into the back of Max Verstappen under breaking. The collision retired both of the cars.

“I don’t want to comment on who might be held responsible - but I do think the stewards’ decision to reprimand both drivers was the right course of action,” said Brawn.

“But I would like to highlight a technical point. Once Daniel had settled for his line, and Max had changed direction blocking that line, the Australian became a passenger.

“The downforce loss experienced by Ricciardo in the wake of Verstappen’s car would have made it unstoppable.”

The incident which highlights the need for a change in aerodynamics couldn’t have arrived at a better time for Brawn and Liberty Media’s proposed changes coming in 2021 and next season.

“While this was a very severe example, it did highlight the need of finding a way to develop the rules and make the cars more raceable in these conditions,” added Brawn.