[MKSixer]

Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants

There is no loophole...its cheating plain and simple.

"Formula 1 Cars must comply with these regulations in their entirety at all times during a
Competition.
Should a Competitor introduce a new design or system or feel that any aspect of these
regulations is unclear, clarification may be sought from the FIA Formula One Technical
Department. If clarification relates to any new design or system, correspondence must
include:
a. A full description of the design or system.
b. Drawings or schematics where appropriate.
c. The Competitor's opinion concerning the immediate implications on other parts of
the car of any proposed new design.
d. The Competitor's opinion concerning any possible long term consequences or new
developments which may come from using any such new designs or systems.
e. The precise way or ways in which the Competitor feels the new design or system will
enhance the performance of the car"

Red Bull clearly did not comply with the above WRT their moveable rear wing assembly.
Whereas Mercedes did communicate their DAS design as above which was later prohibited under the following regulation:

"New systems or technologies
Any new system, procedure or technology not specifically covered by these regulations, but
which is deemed permissible by the FIA Formula One Technical Department, will only be
admitted until the end of the Championship during which it is introduced. Following this the
Formula One Commission will be asked to review the technology concerned and, if they feel
it adds no value to Formula One in general, it may be specifically prohibited by the FIA."


And therein lies the difference...Mercedes played by the rules with DAS while Red Bull (and likely others) sought to cheat the rules.

[text in italics is quoted from the 2021 F1 technical regulations]

An oldie but goodie!!

RBR...The NASA of Cheating

https://jalopnik.com/red-bull-racing...ing-1663441969