George Russell suggested Red Bull and Ferrari might not be so far ahead of Mercedes when the Formula 1 circus returns from its summer break.
The Belgian Grand Prix will finally see the implementation of the technical directive announced by the FIA in June over porpoising and its effect on the health of drivers. It was due to take effect in France last month, but it has been delayed more than once amid backlash from some teams.
Mercedes had been particularly vocal in their desire for lawmakers to step in, with Russell and Lewis Hamilton among those worst affected by porpoising at the time. The likes of Red Bull and Ferrari, however, had fixed the problem themselves and so did not welcome FIA intervention.
The Silver Arrows appeared to have figured out how to fix the issue themselves since, and have been far more competitive in recent races. And Russell believes they could be even closer in the second part of the season as the FIA clamps down on 'flexi-floors'.
That is because, the Mercedes driver claims, Red Bull and Ferrari have been "pushing" the rules in that regard. "Spa is going to be interesting," the Brit said to Sky Sports , after racing to third place at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
"There are some changes to some of the regulations which may bring other teams towards us. I think we as a team have a lot of confidence in ourselves and faith that we are doing a great job and there's no reason we can't be in the mix.
"There is no doubt Ferrari and Red Bull have pushed the regulations in that regard and we have respected it as the regulation was intended. There's no guarantee that it would bring them closer to us. We know if it was on our car it would make us slower. There's no guarantees, every car is different but it's not going to help them that's for sure."
In response, Red Bull chief Christian Horner dismissed suggestions of any wrongdoing on their part and appeared confident that his team will not lose any performance when the technical directive comes into force. "Ferrari still has a quick car and Mercedes are coming back at us. Maybe we don't need to TD in Spa," he said.
"The technical directive has no effect on us. We need quick clarification on what the rules are for 2023. I hope as early as this week. It's ten past midnight for next year and Cinderella has already left."
