In the days and hours before scrutineering at Hockenheim, uncertainty reigns when it comes to F1's new technical controversy. The FIA's Charlie Whiting has warned teams that unless they reach an unanimous decision regarding the controversial technology called 'FRIC', the risk of protests in Germany and beyond will swirl around the paddock.
'FRIC', or front and rear inter-connected, is a complex, hydraulically controlled system that legally mimics active suspension. It has become almost widespread on the F1 grid, and yet the reasons for the FIA's sudden clampdown is the subject of intense speculation. But at the end of the day, Whiting's position has pushed the teams into a corner: agree, or allow the spectre of unpopular team protests to rule.
So in the past days, a concerted effort for unanimity has been taking place. Russia's f1news.ru reports that seven of F1's eleven teams have unofficially committed to allowing 'FRIC' to remain until the end of the year, before it is banned from 2015. Those teams are reportedly Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, McLaren, Marussia, Lotus and Williams. That leaves Toro Rosso, Caterham, Sauber and Force India.
It is rumoured that, of the undecided teams, Force India does not even have a 'FRIC' system aboard its 2014 car. Asked by Sky if the Silverstone based team will protest, chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer said: "It depends if we're running it or not. We'll do what the majority want," he added. "But it's not about majority, it's about unanimity. I think the likelihood of unanimous agreement is zero. There will be people out there that will say if the FIA think it should be banned then let's do that."
Meanwhile, a McLaren spokesman told us: "As always, we'll comply with whatever the FIA decides." (GMM)
'Zero' chance of unanimous FRIC agreement - Force India
- Published on 14 Jul 2014 09:30
-
0
- By: Rob Veenstra
.
Trending news
-
Never Forgotten: Roland Ratzenberger (1960 - 1994)Thirty-two years ago today, Formula 1 lost Roland Ratzenberger during qualifying for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imo...
30 Apr 2026 14:37 -
Hadjar Settles in at Red Bull and Admits He Thought Hard About Verstappen's TeammatesIsack Hadjar has had a complicated start to his first full Formula 1 season. The Australian Grand Prix debut ended in...
30 Apr 2026 15:40 -
Steiner Tells Impatient Antonelli to Stay Calm: "You Are Going to Be World Champion"Gunther Steiner has watched Kimi Antonelli lead the championship after three races and his conclusion is straightforw...
30 Apr 2026 13:34 -
Mental Coach Explains Why Leclerc Is Mentally Stronger Than Almost Anyone Else on the GridCharles Leclerc arrives in Miami in the form of his career. His mental preparation coach believes that is not a coinc...
30 Apr 2026 12:32 -
Piastri Admits He Needs Someone to Explain the New F1 Rules to Him ProperlyOscar Piastri is one of the fastest drivers on the grid and is currently fighting for the championship. He would also...
30 Apr 2026 11:30
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Local time
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
-
Friday
-
Saturday
-
Sunday
Test calendar
Circuit de Catalunya - Winter testing
-
Jan 26
I. Hadjar
- 1:18.159
-
-
-
Jan 27
M. Verstappen
- 1:19.578
-
-
-
Jan 28
A. Antonelli
- 1:17.362
-
-
-
Jan 29
G. Russell
- 1:16.445
-
-
-
Jan 30
L. Hamilton
- 1:16.348
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 11
L. Norris
- 1:34.669
-
-
-
Feb 12
C. Leclerc
- 1:34.273
-
-
-
Feb 13
A. Antonelli
- 1:33.669
-
-
Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
-
Feb 18
G. Russell
- 1:33.459
-
-
Feb 19
A. Antonelli
- 1:32.803
-
-
Feb 20
C. Leclerc
- 1:31.992
-
-
World Championship standings 2026
Pos
Driver
Team
Points
Pos
Team
Points
Related news
Give your opinion!
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
Formula 1 Calendar - 2026
Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
-
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
-
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia
Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America
Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Team profile
- Team name Lotus F1
- Base Enstone, United Kingdom
- Daniel Ricciardo 3
- Kimi Räikkönen 7
- Romain Grosjean 8
- Kimi Räikkönen 9
- Romain Grosjean 10
- Pastor Maldonado 13
- Pastor Maldonado 13
- Kevin Magnussen 20
- Nico Hülkenberg 27
- Jolyon Palmer 30
- Esteban Ocon 31
- Carlos Sainz jr 55
- 65,124 comments on Lotus F1
16 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Lotus F1
Replies (0)
Login to reply