New Technical Directive Means Ferrari ‘Caught By Surprise’: Mekies

FIA issued technical directives regarding the pit stop procedures in Formula One. They issued a note saying that teams need to reduce the pit stop procedures to slow down the teams and amplify the pit lane’s safety measures. Ferrari Technical Director, Laurent Mekies, has mentioned that the directives have come out of the blue.

Many teams such as Mercedes and McLaren have welcomed the decision but the current Constructors’ Championship leaders Red Bull have criticized the decision from the FIA. The Austrian team believes that they introduced the directives to slow them down from going for the fastest pit stops.

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It is certainly a little bit coming out of the blue, I would agree with you: Mekies

According to motorsport.com, Mekies mentioned that new technical directives will not cause any difficulties for the Prancing Horses. But he stated the timing of the directive is surprising.

“It is certainly a little bit coming out of the blue, I would agree with you,” Mekies said.

“I think without discussing the circumstances, I think for sure, it’s probably better moving forward if we have a chance to sit all together and to work these things out with the FIA and with the team, as opposed to be a bit caught by surprise in the middle of the season with a TD,” said Mekies.

Mekies concluded by saying, “Ultimately we understand why that is, but it would probably be nice to sit down and to see what it is first.”

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Horner believes directives will slow down Red Bull

Christian Horner and Red Bull are one of the few teams who are opposing the new directives. Red Bull have been really fast in the pit lanes and holds the record for the fastest pit stops in F1 history.

Their pit stops have affected the cars and the results in the races. Horner mentioned, “If you can’t be beaten, then obviously the most logical thing is for your competitors to try and slow you down and that’s obviously what’s happening here.”