Formula 1 has returned to discussing the current regulations after criticism from several drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, but former driver Juan Pablo Montoya warned that changes could create new problems. The Colombian stated that F1 could end up going to the opposite extreme while trying to fix the complaints.
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During the forced break in April, caused by the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian GPs due to the war in the Middle East, Formula 1, the teams, and the FIA have already met this week and will meet again later this month to review the current rules. Despite the criticism, the category is satisfied with the new cars so far, and team principals are expected to evaluate possible proposed changes.
In the first meeting, discussions focused mainly on minor battery-related adjustments. The main proposal involves changes to energy management to allow full-power laps during Q1, Q2, and Q3 in qualifying sessions. A modification to the ADUO system was also debated, especially after the removal of two stages from the calendar.
Montoya, a former F1 driver and current F1 TV analyst, expressed concern about the possible consequences of these changes. According to him, adjustments designed to improve competition could end up creating new limitations in races: “So you’re going to get to the next race and nobody’s going to overtake anyone. And then people will complain that the race is boring,” the Colombian stated. He also highlighted that, by solving a safety problem, the category could return to situations similar to the old DRS trains.
The debate gained momentum after statements from Verstappen, who compared current races to the ‘Mario Kart’ video game and warned of possible negative consequences of the current regulations. Norris also criticized the rules, reinforcing the discontent among some drivers.
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Montoya, however, stated that the problem is not recent and has existed for years: “This hasn’t been real for fifteen years, since DRS was introduced. So, you’re telling me that overtaking with DRS was real overtaking?” he questioned.
The Colombian also compared the different solutions adopted over time: “When people say that now it’s ‘Mario Kart’ and before it was real, that’s crazy. What’s the difference between opening the wing or having more energy? The end result is more speed,” the former driver concluded.
With new meetings scheduled during this month’s break, Formula 1 seeks to find a balance between safety, competitiveness, and spectacle. Montoya’s warning, however, reinforces that any change could bring unexpected effects for the rest of the season.
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