FIA hails ‘invaluable input’ from drivers ahead of Formula One rules meeting

LONDON – Formula One’s governing body FIA has hailed drivers for their “invaluable” input ahead of a teams meeting on April 20 that will put forward proposed rule changes to improve racing.

The sport has undergone its biggest change in decades on the chassis and engine with new power units that are split roughly 50-50 between electric and combustion power.

Drivers have, however, complained about the impact on racing and raised safety concerns from having to ease off the throttle early and coast into high-speed corners so the combustion engine can recharge the battery.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social media on April 19 that there had been “constructive and collaborative discussion” between the governing body and drivers, ahead of the meeting with team principals and F1 stakeholders.

“The drivers have provided invaluable input on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing,” he said.

Ben Sulayem also said a series of meetings had been held with technical representatives of teams and engine manufacturers to discuss proposed changes.

“Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,” he added.

“Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before an FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-vote.”

Mercedes driver George Russell, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, told reporters last week that the relationship between the FIA and drivers was “probably the closest” it had been in years and the body understood what needed to be done.

“There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA and everybody is aligned with what we’re trying to achieve,” he said. “I think the two headline points are flat-out qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.”

Haas driver Oliver Bearman crashed heavily in Japan in March, an incident that sparked calls for the FIA to make safety-related changes.

The Briton’s car hit the barriers with a force of 50G after approaching and swerving to avoid Franco Colapinto’s Alpine with a 50kmh difference in speed between the cars, as he deployed an electrical power boost while the Argentinian was low on battery and lacked power.

In other motor racing news, a spectator was killed and two others injured following a crash during the Rally Sudamericano in Argentina on April 19, the FIA said.

Video footage showed the vehicle clipping an embankment before rolling into the spectator zone. Driver Didier Arias and co-driver Hector Nunez escaped without serious injuries, according to media reports.

“The FIA is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred today during Round 2 of the FIA Codasur Rally Championship at Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero, in which one spectator lost their life and two others were injured,” the governing body said in a statement.

“The FIA will provide its full support to the organisers of Rally Sudamericano Mina Clavero, Automovil Club Argentino, Codasur and the relevant local authorities in their investigation into the incident.”

The crash came a day after racing driver Juha Miettinen died and six others were injured in an accident during ADAC 24h Nurburgring qualifiers in Germany. REUTERS