Has the rule revolution in Formula 1 achieved its objective and led to nearer races? After the primary season with the brand new floor impact vehicles, opinions are divided on this query. Statistically, there have been extra overtaking maneuvers, however Mike Elliott did not enhance a lot.
Mercedes’ technical director believes the brand new rules haven’t led to the large step some had hoped for. “Personally, I’m not a fan of it, whether or not it is as a result of we don’t have the most effective automobile,” he instructed Motorsport.com of the brand new set of rules.
Did you lose one thing on the best way?
“If you have a look at what they needed to do when overtaking, they positively let the vehicles shut collectively within the corners,” he admits.
“But I’m unsure we have not misplaced one thing on the straights by way of slip move and drag discount. So I’m not underneath the impression that the races are nearer, we simply have completely different rules to work with,” says Elliott.
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Some drivers have additionally been criticized throughout the season, together with the now-retired Sebastian Vettel: “We’re getting shut, however we have now much less obstacles, so it’s important to get near overtake.”
Time will inform if the trouble to alter the rules is de facto price it. In any case, the groups ought to try to attain the most effective outcomes. “I believe for us Formula 1 engineers, it is only a set of rules, a set of constraints that you simply attempt to work round,” says Elliott.
“You attempt to construct the quickest automobile, and also you tackle the problem, it doesn’t matter what the end result. What the followers need is extra necessary.”
“What does it take to ship actually good racing and the way will we get vehicles that may do this? Are we taking a step in the best route with these vehicles? Maybe. But I’m unsure,” he suspects.
Long-term planning is important
Elliott believes there are alternatives to design vehicles that monitor one another in corners and profit from sliding on the straights. But this requires lengthy-time period planning. “We want one thing fully completely different from what we have now now,” he says.
“Formula 1 and the FIA are engaged on the rules for 2026. And in case you have a look at what’s been introduced for the powertrain for 2026, we’ll want fully completely different chassis rules to go together with it. We hope to finish up with one thing that is a great step in that route.”
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