New strict measure against Red Bull: 'We lose up to four tenths'

The FIA is reportedly working to add minimum intervals to pit stops. Red Bull Racing feel that Mercedes are behind the new guidelines to thwart its major rival this season.

The intention is that in future a time of 0.2 seconds will be set as standard between the moment the newly mounted wheels touch the ground and the green light. In addition, the FIA wants to add another 0.15 seconds between the signal that all four wheel nuts have been properly tightened and the manual attachment of the corresponding mechanics to the impact wrenches. It would mean that pit stops will take at least 0.35 seconds longer.

It would be bad news for Red Bull, who are known to gain plenty of time with fast pitstops. "This has pushed Mercedes because they want to steal our advantage in the pit stop. We are losing up to four tenths. There is seven years of work and training in the consistency and speed of our pitstops," stated advisor Helmut Marko to Auto, Motor und Sport.

The German racing team have tried to make things difficult for Red Bull on several occasions in recent weeks. Mercedes have reacted on the flexible rear wing of the Austrians, which would give the competitor too much advantage.