Just a comment on from the issues with the Red Bull "tyre squirt" holes, following the FIA's issue of a Technical Directive which stated that ...
"Following on from a number of discussions in Monaco, during which it became clear that certain misunderstandings existed, we feel it would be helpful to make our position clear with respect to the presence of a fully enclosed hole in any surface lying on the step plane. It has been argued that, as it is not explicitly stated that fully enclosed holes cannot be located in a surface lying on the step plane rearward of a line 450mm forward of the rear face of the cockpit template, then they may be located in such areas. We disagree with this view and consider it implicit that fully enclosed holes may not be located there."
The FIA acknowledged that there were "misunderstandings" as the rules were open to interpretation. They disagree with Red Bull's interpretation, so have clarified the position by stating that the enclosed hole is
now considered to be illegal. Prior to the issue of the TD, the hole was a grey area rather than a clear breach of the rules, so there is no way Red Bull can be retrospectively punished.
This often happens in F1 as designers are constantly trying to interpret the rules to their advantage, so we've had questions over double diffusers, F-ducts, tuned mass dampers, flexible floors etc. and in each case the FIA has clarified the rule
for future races, but hasn't applied any retrospective penalties. Of course, depending on which Team you support, the FIA are either "right" or "wrong" to do that! Sometimes, they're even
so "wrong" it must be some sort of conspiracy!!
Speaking of Red Bull and interpretations, I see they've had to block the "cooling holes" in their hubs for this weekend's race, as they've found themselves in the same position as Renault with their tuned mass damper. The suggestion is that the air which is vented out through the wheels may have some aerodynamic effect, so again the FIA have moved to close any loopholes (no pun intended!)