A new team protest turns to derision

At the beginning of the evening in Melbourne, the Williams team protested the legality of the Red Bull and Ferrari cars just a few hours after the qualifying session for the Australian Grand Prix.

Williams had focused particularly on the aerodynamics of the Ferrari F60 and the Red Bull RB5.

Toyota drivers Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli have already been disqualified as the TF109s were deemed non-compliant with the regulations on rear wing stiffness. However, they will be allowed to race but will start from the back of the grid.

But against all odds, Williams withdrew their complaint regarding the Ferrari and Red Bull Racing cars for a possible breach of technical regulations.

Despite hours of deliberation and work among high-ranking sports officials, the Grove team decided to end its protests shortly before midnight in the Antipodes.

Although the team refused to comment on the situation, it appears that the protests are related to the area surrounding the car pontoons.

Notably, Williams is one of the three target teams of Ferrari and Red Bull Racing, who are denouncing an illegal diffuser on the FW31.

Before filing his protest, Williams’ technical director, Sam Michael, stated that he had no qualms about submitting complaints.

« Let’s be clear, if someone thinks our car is not legal, we have no problem with those people, » he explained.

« Only the FIA commissioners can rule in favor of one of the two parties. We fully support this process. »