F1: Mercedes seeks FIA rule clarifications

Mercedes is seeking clarification from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stewards with regard to the use of listed parts and the aerodynamic testing restrictions in Formula 1.

Mercedes claims there to be a number of ambiguities within appendices six (listed parts) and eight (ATR) of the 2015 F1 sporting regulations, and has requested a settlement of the matter.

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The situation follows an email sent from Mercedes technical executive director Paddy Lowe to FIA technical director Charlie Whiting on Oct. 15. Lowe asks a total of 54 questions to Whiting relating to the nature of being a competitor; the provision and design of surfaces; ATR usage; the use of design surfaces staff; transfer of knowledge, information and data, and the acceptance of entries.

Lowe also requests the matter be kept confidential between Mercedes and the FIA.

In his response on Nov. 13, Whiting said he was unable to respond to Lowe's questions, claiming they "do not fall within my remit" and refers the matter to the stewards as he feels the case to be sporting in nature, rather than technical. Whiting further pointed out that as the questions raised do not relate to a specific case or situation and that any "exchange is likely to be of interest to all participating teams," he rejected the confidentiality request.

Whiting concludes by stating, "In these conditions, I cannot therefore give you my opinion on the questions you ask."

Mercedes has since submitted to the stewards a 27-point, 10-page document calling for clarity on appendices six and eight. It has also called for the stewards to settle the matter as per articles 11.9.1 and 11.9.2 of the international sporting code.

Under the code the stewards "have supreme authority for the enforcement of the code" and "may settle any matter which might arise during an event, subject to the right of appeal."

The reasoning behind Mercedes' approach to Whiting, and now the stewards, is it is seeking clarification with regard to opportunities in the regulations it is considering.

Although not mentioned in any of the exchanges involved between all parties – Mercedes, Whiting and the stewards – the matter also relates to Ferrari's supply of parts to 2016 F1 newcomer Haas, as well as aerodynamic and wind tunnel data.

The stewards, led by former F1 driver and BRDC president Derek Warwick, met with representatives from Mercedes earlier on Saturday, inviting them to make any additional submissions.

Mercedes' rivals have now been invited to make their own submissions on the matter, either verbally or in writing, by 5pm local time on Saturday.

The stewards have confirmed they will try to deliver a verdict on the matter prior to tomorrow's race that begins at 5pm local time.