FIA to consult drivers on F1 regulation changes
The FIA will consult F1 drivers on potential technical regulation changes before April 20, following criticism from stars like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris about cars that limit flat-out pushing. The aim is for team principals to decide on short-term adjustments at their meeting later that month.
The FIA is planning to meet with Formula 1 drivers before April 20th to discuss potential short-term adjustments to the current technical regulations. This follows a virtual meeting with team technical personnel, with the goal of having team principals make final decisions by that date. Drivers like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have been vocal critics of the current generation of cars, which limit flat-out pushing due to battery management strategies.
Why it matters:
The core debate centers on the fundamental driving experience in modern F1. Critics argue that the current regulations, particularly those governing energy recovery and deployment, prevent drivers from attacking at full throttle for entire laps or stints. This consultation represents a direct channel for the competitors—who ultimately showcase the sport—to influence the rules that define their craft and the spectacle for fans.
The details:
- The FIA and team technical directors held a virtual meeting last Thursday to explore possible short-term regulatory tweaks.
- A subsequent meeting with all 22 drivers is scheduled to take place online before April 20th, leveraging a gap in the race calendar.
- The objective is for team principals to reach agreements on any changes during their meeting on April 20th, which would then need ratification by the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC).
- While drivers largely agree that changes are needed, there is reportedly no consensus on the specific solutions.
- This is not an isolated event; according to the report, driver feedback has been regularly incorporated into the process in recent months.
What's next:
The upcoming driver consultation offers a critical opportunity for figures like Verstappen and Norris to formally present their grievances and suggestions. The tight timeline indicates the FIA and teams are serious about addressing these performance concerns promptly, potentially leading to in-season updates. The challenge will be balancing the desire for more aggressive driving with the technical and sporting complexities of the hybrid power units.