Fred Vasseur defends the current F1 regulations and the renewed focus on energy management. Many race fans complained during the first three races about the artificial overtaking maneuvers. Due to the new overtake mode, there was often ‘yo-yo racing’, where drivers could immediately regain a lost position with the help of an electric boost. However, Vasseur finds DRS, the predecessor of this technology, much more artificial.
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While some fans find the new pushing and pulling in Formula 1 entertaining, there is also a lot of criticism of this way of racing. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris are among the critics. The Dutchman was continuously ‘yo-yo racing’ with Pierre Gasly in Japan. When the Frenchman passed him for the umpteenth time on the straight, Verstappen waved his hand in frustration from the cockpit. “You just can’t overtake. Well, you can overtake, but then you have no battery left on the next straight,” he explained afterwards. “So I thought: ‘See you!’”
DRS
Fred Vasseur, however, warns not to be too critical of the new regulations. During the FIA press conference in Miami, he spoke firmly to the attending media. “I would judge the spectacle of the first three events less harshly,” he stated. “Honestly, we have had good races, with many overtaking maneuvers.” The Ferrari team principal also argued that the new overtaking techniques are less artificial than DRS. “You could say it might be a bit artificial, but for me it is much less artificial than DRS,” Vasseur continued. “Back then it was simply a matter of pressing a button. Nowadays it’s about energy management and depends on the drivers and the team. It’s not artificial at all.”
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“Of course, we still need to refine and adjust the system,” the Frenchman added. “Fortunately, the FIA has given us the opportunity to consult after each event and improve the system. It’s not easy to do that during the season, but I think we all want to cooperate on this. Regarding the future, we have several options on the table. I think it will soon be time to discuss them.” According to English sources, a decision on the F1 engine regulations for 2027 should be made in the coming weeks.
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