Williams are seeking clarification from motor sport’s governing body on a controversial design on the new car that has just been launched.
Prior to the start of the second pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday, Williams took the wraps off their FW35, but immediately walked into trouble.
The FIA have suggested to Williams the design of the exit of their exhaust is illegal.
Their car, like that of Caterham who have also been warned, possesses vanes the FIA believe will illegally interfere with the aerodynamics of the car.
Technical director Mike Coughlan has expressed his view the vane is within the FIA regulations.
Coughlan said: “For me, the Caterham one is really not allowed but ours is OK.
“If you look at ours, it’s not a single piece – it’s two pieces.
“You’re governed by total aperture size and (the need for it to be) a single aperture.
“Ours is a single aperture joined by a very small slot, so it’s actually two pieces.”
Williams and Caterham can continue to use the exhaust throughout the remaining seven days of testing prior to the season-opening Melbourne grand prix on March 17.
However, if the device is used at Albert Park, a protest could be lodged with the stewards, and if found to definitely be in contravention of the rules, the teams’ cars would be disqualified.
Understandably, both teams are now looking into the matter.