Formula One: Lewis Hamilton still doubts Red Bull car
Lewis Hamilton is still convinced that Red Bull's performance has declined after FIA’s strict wing flexibility tests.
There had been a lot of controversies lately regarding the front wing of Red Bull. As per the footages taken at the German and Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren called for stricter tests by FIA. The British team claimed that the RB6’s front wing seem to be far
more flexible than how the authority allows. The race images and videos showed Red Bull's front wing getting too closer to the ground. This can give a potential aerodynamic advantage to the car and has been forbidden by FIA.
However, Red Bull kept denying any breach of the front wing regulation.
On continued calls from several teams, FIA announced stricter teats at Spa-Francorchamps. However, Red Bull was not found breaching any of the rules, for which the other teams declared that changes have been already made in their car.
As the teams moved to Monza, further tests were made regarding the front wing and the floor of the car, still the Austrian team walked out clean once again.
Moreover, the team denies having any major changes in the structure of the car ahead of these tests, declaring that they had used just the same wing and floor in all the races. Still, Hamilton is adamant that the pace and performance of Red Bull car is not
the same as it had been witnessed prior to these tests.
During his visit to Berlin, earlier this month, the driver talked to Bild newspaper saying,
"In Hungary they were two seconds per lap faster than the rest of us. It is simply impossible to have a lead like that."
Hamilton was further asked if he believes that Red Bull had been cheating earlier in 2010, for which the young driver said, he is not pointing out anybody but all he knows is that McLaren has kept to the rules always. He continued saying that the people
in their factory have always worked very hard but was surprised the way Red Bull’s car performed. Their car at many instances clearly seemed to be fleeing faster than a legal car could.
He insisted that they had been asking FIA since long to make a thorough check. He was now glad that they did that now. Hamilton firmly added that Red Bull has surely made some amendments and that has dropped their pace now.
This season has been very challenging and demanding, especially for the drivers. The shape taken by the championship now, with top five players fighting head to head has created a tough psychological warship. Among all the apex drivers, Fernando Alonso is
said to carry this battle more severely as he has the advantage of having won two championships already.
Commenting on the pressure and stress that this season has offered, Hamilton said that this is a normal routine of the sport. The end of the season witnesses this kind of game every year.
He firmly added, “I'm strong enough and ready for it. I'm not worried, but I think it's best if you just do your talking on the track."
While concluding the interview he said that he is concerned yet not scared for the gap of 20 points from the chart leader, Mark Webber.
The 26 year old driver has firm belief on himself as well as in his team. He is sure that a better team strategy and his determination would help him get back to the top.
Moreover, the last four tracks of the season are also supposed to suit the team brilliantly and also the car has been further modified to give a more competitive pace on the track.
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