Formula 1 Should “Fix” Clear Flaws with Racing Rules, Says McLaren Boss
McLaren Boss Calls for Stricter Enforcement of Existing Rules
Formula 1 News
McLaren boss Andrea Stella believes that Formula 1 should “fix” the clear flaws with the racing rules that emerged from the Austrian Grand Prix, as the sport seeks to deliver a good spectacle on track rather than controversies that famously marred the 2021 title battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
Stella’s concerns were sparked by a late-race collision between Lando Norris and Verstappen on lap 64, for which Verstappen was given a 10-second penalty. However, Stella believes that the FIA should have been tougher on Verstappen’s moving under braking earlier in the race, and that common sense should have been applied for Norris getting a track limits penalty after running wide following a failed overtake.
“This race has given us a lot of good information to fix some of the aspects which are needed to go racing in a way that we can enjoy this kind of battle until the chequered flag,” explained Stella. “For me, it’s a big shame that we didn’t see the last six or seven laps, because they would have been quite entertaining. They were not entertaining because simply the rules were not enforced.”
Stella believes that stricter enforcement of the existing rules, rather than new regulations, is the key to avoiding such battles ending in crashes.
“It should be taken as an opportunity to tighten up, to clamp up the boundaries and, in fairness, enforcing some of the rules which are already in place,” he said.
The Austrian Grand Prix has provided a timely reminder of the need for clear and consistent application of the rules in Formula 1. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is essential that the focus remains on delivering an exciting and unpredictable spectacle, rather than controversy and drama.
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