The team principals of Ferrari and Mercedes have weighed in on the possibility of changing F1 regulations to halt Red Bull’s dominance.
Scuderia Ferrari and Mercedes have clarified their opinion regarding the possibility changing the current Formula 1 rules and regulation due to one team being clearly ahead of the rest. After two events dominated by the Milton Keynes team, the sport must face the specter of another season with a predictable outcome. With viewership declining worldwide, the risk transcends the sporting aspect of the matter.
Formula 1 is in full swing after the first two Middle Eastern events. In the Arab double-header, between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Red Bull once reigned supreme. Two one-two finishes easily secured by the Austrian side leave no room for rivals, both achieved with Max Max Verstappen ahead of Sergio Perez. The Dutchman is already on track for his fourth world title, leaving only slim hopes for the chasers.
“I won’t fall into the trap of my neighbor in the box, who in 2014 and 2015 wanted regulations changed because of our advantage,” explained Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, hitting out at Christian Horner – “I think Red Bull has done better work than all the other teams in the last two years, they deserve credit. At the moment, they are simply in another category.”
“Ours is an honest sport, where performance comes from the car, the mechanics, and the driver,” concludes the boss from Brackley.
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Frédéric Vasseur’s Opinion
The Ferrari team principal instead preferred to focus on the developments of the Maranello car when asked by the media regarding Red Bull’s advantage: “If we could achieve the same improvements as last year, it would be encouraging. Honestly, my focus is on my team, on the fact that we need to improve the car. Even if we were ahead of Red Bull one weekend, my approach wouldn’t change.”
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But could Red Bull’s dominance harm Formula 1? “I can’t say it’s not something I consider. We are totally focused on catching up to them. [In Saudi Arabia], clear steps forward were taken, but there were encouraging signs starting from Bahrain. This must be encouraging for everyone and is the best way to stay motivated.” – the French manager added.
Formula 1 returns to the track in Australia for the third event of the 2024 Formula 1 season. In 2023, despite the multiple red flags during the race, it was Max Verstappen who triumphed and extended his lead in the standings over the then seemingly competitive Sergio Perez. Melbourne will be an important test for Scuderia Ferrari as they await the significant upgrades planned for the upcoming races.
Source: f1ingenerale