Key stakeholders in Formula 1 are convening to discuss potential adjustments to the regulations, following a series of discussions and driver criticism about energy management and safety concerns. The meeting aims to agree on proposals for final approval via a World Motor Sport Council e-vote. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the talks as 'constructive and collaborative', thanking drivers for their input on adjustments to ensure safe, fair, and competitive racing.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff cautioned that changes should be made with precision, 'with a scalpel and not with a baseball bat', to improve the product and address safety concerns without overshot. Drivers have voiced complaints about the rules and the way they are having to drive, with Mercedes' George Russell highlighting the need for 'flat-out qualifying' and reducing closing speeds.
Russell believes there are 'low-hanging fruit' that can be addressed in the short term, such as increasing the permitted rate the battery can harvest when a driver is on full throttle. The F1 season resumes with the Miami Grand Prix, and stakeholders are working constructively to improve the sport while respecting their role as 'guardians of the sport'.