The Latest F1 Technology Ban Could Put An End To Mercedes' Domination

The innovative FRIC (Front-and-Rear Interconnected Suspension) system could be banned by the FIA from the next race of the 2014 F1 season, which takes place in Germany.

The sport has a habit of banning new technologies soon after they have been implemented. The FRIC system is believed to be one of several reasons why Mercedes is currently dominating Formula 1, as the Brackley-based outfit’s W05 features the most sophisticated version.

According to Autosport, F1’s governing body wrote to the teams to let them know that, following detailed investigations, it believes the FRIC system is illegal and that it is in breach of article 3.15 of the technical regulations (which relates to moveable aerodynamic devices).

F1 director and FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting said in a note to the 11 outfits:

“Having now seen and studied nearly every current design of front to rear linked suspension system we, the FIA, are formally of the view that the legality of all such systems could be called into question.”

The way it works is that the front and rear suspensions are hydraulically linked to one another to maintain a level ride height, which improves the performance of the car.

It isn’t a particularly new system. Similar versions were used in the 1990s, but Renault (now Lotus) was the first to use FRIC in its current form back in 2008. The FIA is open to delaying the ban until 2015 but it needs unanimous support from the teams.