The FIA has introduced a fresh technical directive ahead of the upcoming race in Singapore, and Max Verstappen has shared his insights into its potential impact on Red Bull.

A significant change on the horizon for the Singapore race weekend is the introduction of TD018, a technical directive implemented by the FIA to enforce a recently clarified rule that has not yet been incorporated into the technical regulations. While TD018 functions more as guidance than a strict rule, it aims to provide teams with clarity regarding their operational procedures.

TD018 specifically addresses concerns surrounding the flexibility of components within the front and rear wings, particularly focusing on the potential for teams to exploit flexibility at the junction points where individual elements come together.

The question arises: How might this technical directive affect Red Bull, the dominant force in F1, with the Adrian Newey-designed Red Bull RB19 claiming victory in every 2023 race so far? Given their status as the frontrunners, it raises the natural question of whether Red Bull will face constraints necessitating adjustments to their car.

There is no indication that any specific team is being singled out for regulatory interpretation issues, and Max Verstappen has dismissed the notion that TD018 will impact Red Bull’s competitiveness. Verstappen confidently stated during a media session in Singapore, “I don’t think it will. We never really had any flexible front wing or similar issues. So, I don’t believe it will adversely affect us.”

“I think we just are not as competitive as at other tracks,” 

“I think the street circuits are a little bit tougher for our car. I still think that we can do a good job but it will be very tight.” He said

However, Verstappen also hinted that the usual Red Bull dominance might not be as pronounced during this weekend’s race. He had already expressed expectations in Monza that the Singapore event would be more challenging for his team, attributing this to the nature of street circuits.

“I think we are just not as competitive on these tracks,” he explained. “Street circuits are a bit tougher for our car. I still believe we can perform well, but it will be a close competition.”

Entering the weekend with a record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive Grand Prix victories, the Dutch driver emphasized that achieving this historic feat does not alter the pressure he places on himself for each race weekend. Verstappen’s focus remains unwavering, with his aim being to deliver the best possible performance consistently.

“I never really look at the number eight, or nine,” he said.

“I just always want to do the best I can. So, naturally, every single weekend, it’s basically the same amount of pressure you put on yourself to try and get the best result out of it. So nothing really changes actually from that side.”

Regarding the issuance of the directive, Tim Goss, the FIA’s single-seater technical director, clarified that the FIA is not singling out any specific car or feature for scrutiny.

Instead, the directive addresses areas where front and rear wing elements connect with the nose, rear impact structure, and rear wing endplates. Goss explained that teams have attempted to exploit deflection allowances by allowing certain components to move relative to each other.

TD018 aims to provide clarity on what is permissible, ensuring that the bodywork remains uniform, solid, hard, and continuous at these crucial junction points. The directive includes examples of prohibited designs and permissible exceptions.