Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel warns of a potential strike of F1 drivers over new rear wings
Sebastian Vettel, the Formula One champion has hinted that F1 drivers may go on a strike because of safety concerns over the new regulations in place for this season.
The German driver has expressed anxiety over the fact that the recent adjustable rear wing system could cause accidents, but also admitted that a strike would be the last route drivers would take.
“Most of the drivers agreed that it could be, in certain scenarios, a safety issue and that's what still needs to be seen to. If it's a really big issue then the most important thing is that the drivers are all together,” Vettel said.
He further elaborated, “If we all agree on something, then we can be very powerful. We can say, ‘Okay, we are not racing’. That doesn’t necessarily mean that we will go on strike. We’ll try to find a solution with the FIA first.”
The car’s wing has been designed to boost the speed to perk overtaking, and will be used for the first time at Albert Park in the Australian GP.
There are concerns that it could cause a crash like the one Mark Webber was involved in last season on Valencia street circuit: Webber’s car ran into the rear of Heikki Kovalainen's slower Lotus and was airborne.
Rubens Barrichello of Williams has also voiced concern over the matter as he believes that it will tempt the racers to do flat corners with the wing, which could lead to smashes.
Drivers have gone on strikes in the past, but as indicated by Vettel it will only be as a last resort.
The 2011 Formula is set to kicks off in Melbourne at the weekend. The issue of the safety was highlighted during Barcelona pre-season testing and more talks on the matter will be held, involving FIA and the Grand Prix Drivers Association, at Albert Park.
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