John Hindhaugh, lead commentator of the American racing series IMSA, understands little of Max Verstappen’s criticism of the new hybrid Formula 1 cars. According to the Briton, it is actually a case of ‘pure racing’, something that drivers and teams in the American endurance class have been racing with for years.
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The hybrid regulations that Formula 1 has been racing with since this season have long been the norm within the American racing series IMSA (International Motor Sport Association). The collaboration between the engine and the battery plays an important role within the class. Lead commentator John Hindhaugh therefore sees no reason for the criticism from Max Verstappen, who previously described the new generation of cars as ‘Formula E on steroids.’ “I love these rules,” Hindhaugh told Motorsport.com.
According to the Briton, this form of racing is actually pure, because you have to be busy with both the battery and driving the car. “In endurance racing, we have been working with these types of systems for almost twenty years. It’s about collaboration between driver and team to use the energy distribution optimally. That is racing. It is clear that there are people in the Formula 1 paddock who have not yet understood that idea. There is no point in shouting that it is not racing. It is just a different way of racing than some are used to.”
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