Mercedes have claimed that Max Verstappen damaged Lewis Hamilton’s rear wing in parc ferme conditions after qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko.
Hamilton was referred to the stewards over a possible Drag Reduction System (DRS) infringement following Friday’s qualifying session at Interlagos, with the hearing ultimately delayed until Saturday.
Meanwhile, Verstappen was also summoned to the stewards over an alleged breach of the FIA International Sporting Code relating to parc ferme conditions, after fan footage appeared to show him touching the rear wing on Hamilton’s car after qualifying.
As the F1 world awaits a verdict for both drivers, Marko says Mercedes have turned the tables on Verstappen and Red Bull.
“The unbelievable thing is that Mercedes are now claiming that Max damaged Hamilton’s rear wing with his fingers,” Marko told F1-Insider.
Although each case initially seemed to be separate, there has been speculation over whether Mercedes would use Verstappen’s actions as evidence in their hearing regarding Hamilton’s rear wing.
However, former F1 driver turned pundit Karun Chandhok played down such suggestions of Verstappen causing any damage.
“For those asking if Max could have manipulated the wing, let’s all be clear that the wings are designed to sustain hundreds of kilos of load without breaking,” wrote Chandhok on Twitter.
“Andre the giant could sit on it! As fit and strong as Max is, I doubt he managed to bend the wing…”
