George Russell defends the most recent changes in the F1 regulations. During the first three races, there were many complaints about the new engine formula, while the much-discussed crash of Oliver Bearman in Japan exposed the dangers of the focus on energy management. For Miami, the FIA has implemented a number of adjustments, although not everyone is satisfied with them. However, Russell notes that the main concerns have been addressed.
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In short, the adjustments focus on energy distribution during qualifying laps, allowing drivers to go full throttle again. Additionally, the FIA wants to reduce speed differences between cars during the race to prevent dangerous situations like Bearman’s crash. Mercedes benefited from a significant speed advantage over the competition in the opening races; the German team won the first three Grands Prix in a row.
When George Russell was asked about the changes during a press moment in Miami – also with an eye on Mercedes’ dominance – he responded sharply: “The question is: what are you trying to achieve with these changes? Do you want the fastest car over one lap? Do you want to reduce speed differences to prevent dangerous situations? Or do you want to prevent cars from losing speed at the end of a straight? Or rather counteract coasting during a qualifying lap?”
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Criticism from the slower teams
“The biggest concern was the emphasis on lift and coast during a qualifying lap,” Russell continued. “That is now a thing of the past. The significant speed loss at the end of the straight during qualifying – that is a thing of the past. And also tempering speed differences when overtaking is now a thing of the past.” One of the first proposals to curb engine problems was to reduce battery power. According to Russell, such a measure would further undermine Formula 1.
“Those suggestions to reduce the electric motor power to 200 kilowatts? Then we might as well race in Formula 2,” he responded critically. “The FIA has listened to the complaints and done what we wanted,” Russell stated. “Of course, there will always be people who are not happy with it, especially those lower down the pecking order,” he added. “But we have indicated where we were not satisfied, and the FIA has adjusted the rules and largely achieved what we asked for.”
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