Schumi: Wing boost is not that big

Editor

Michael Schumacher has downplayed the impact of Ross Brawn’s latest innovation, saying the performance boost is not that huge….

Michael Schumacher has downplayed the impact of Ross Brawn’s latest innovation, saying the performance boost is not that huge.

This season Brawn’s Mercedes team have introduced the DRS-activated F-duct, which uses the activation of the car’s DRS to stall both its front and rear wings in an effort to reduce drag.

Although cleared by the FIA’s Charlie Whiting in Australia, the wing was once again scrutinised in Malaysia after Lotus and Red Bull had voiced concerns. And once again the FIA gave it the go-ahead.

Schumacher, though, has downplayed the impact of the device, saying it is the not the only reason for Mercedes’s improved pace this season.

“There’s no doubt that we have an innovation that gives us some performance but I don’t think that it is a huge performance and that we only live from this,” said Schumacher.

“You’re probably talking in terms of nature of the track that it will give another slight advantage but I think some get a little bit too excited about this compared to reality. But that’s the usual story.”