Formula 1 is experiencing a moment of tension following new criticism from several drivers, including seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, regarding the FIA’s decision-making process. The experienced British driver stated that drivers have no power of influence over regulation changes, even in the face of recent concerns.
Read more F1: Bearman speaks after crash and criticizes speed differences
The debate gained momentum after Oliver Bearman’s accident at the Japanese GP, caused by a speed difference of about 50 km/h compared to Franco Colapinto. The accident intensified criticism of the new power unit rules and energy management, which had already been heavily questioned by the drivers.
In the coming days, the FIA is expected to hold important meetings to discuss possible adjustments to the regulations. Despite this, Hamilton showed skepticism about the drivers’ influence on these decisions: “The drivers have no voice,” the Ferrari driver told the press.
The Briton reinforced that the competitors do not participate directly in the decision-making process: “We have no power. We are not on the committee, we have no voting rights,” he said, highlighting the limitation of the drivers’ role in the discussions.
Carlos Sainz also criticized the current scenario and pointed to Bearman’s accident as an example of the risks. The Williams driver stated that the problem arises when only the teams are heard in decisions about the regulations: “That is the problem when you only listen to the teams, they might think the racing is good because maybe it’s fun to watch on TV,” Sainz said. The Spaniard highlighted that the reality inside the cockpit is very different, especially given the large speed differences.
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According to Sainz, the current scenario deviates from the motorsport standard: “There is no category in the world with this type of speed difference. That’s when big accidents can happen, because you are caught by surprise, you defend late and the car behind arrives very fast,” he said.
The Spanish driver, who is also president of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA), asked the FIA to take the competitors’ suggestions into consideration: “I hope they listen to us and focus on the feedback we give, instead of just listening to the teams,” he stated, further suggesting improvements as early as the Miami GP and progressive adjustments throughout the season.
Despite the strong impact of the accident, Bearman did not suffer serious injuries, and Haas did not hold Alpine’s Franco Colapinto responsible for the incident. The FIA, for its part, released a statement reiterating that it will continue to discuss possible changes with the parties involved in the coming weeks.
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