Former Max Verstappen Team Principal Franz Tost has explained why “top drivers” like the Dutchman are disadvantaged by the new Formula 1 regulations.
Verstappen has struggled under the latest F1 regulations compared with his lofty standards.
The four-time World Champion currently sits seventh in the standings, and has been one of the most vocal critics of the direction the sport has taken with the technical rule-set.
Tost, who oversaw the 28-year-old’s debut F1 season with Toro Rosso (now Racing Bulls) in 2015 has shed a light on why Verstappen may be struggling with the 50-50 engine split.
“It was known that this 50/50 split, 50 per cent from the combustion engine and 50 per cent electric, would, of course, cause some problems,” he said on the 15 Love – der Business Podcast.
“For the supremely talented drivers, however, the new regulations are a disadvantage. Why? With the current regulations, you no longer brake at the last moment.”
The Austrian highlighted how, for drivers like Verstappen, the current rule-set chops their momentum in half – aggravating their dislike towards the rule-set.
“Top drivers like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri or Fernando Alonso derive their performance precisely from the braking point and the speed towards the apex of the corner. And of course, from accelerating out of it,” he added.
“But now, if you are simply rolling through the corner, they no longer have any advantage there. That is why they are naturally not very positive about the regulations at the moment.”
Franz Tost foresees Mercedes pushback amid call for F1 rule changes
Tost is of the opinion that criticism from the likes of Verstappen will not go unheard.
Hot off the heels of some strong opposition, especially after Oliver Bearman’s horror Japanese GP crash, the FIA did ratify a few changes to the formula for the Miami GP and onwards.
Tost expects the FIA and FOM to keep working towards tweaking the regulations, but warns that runaway leaders Mercedes will not make life easy for objecting rivals.
“The FOM and the FIA know all this; they are aware of the problems,” Tost said.
“Some things were already resolved for Miami. I also think that a few more changes will be implemented for the rest of the season.
“Now, of course, politics comes into play again, because Mercedes is in the lead and they will not happily agree to any potential changes. Then we will see how this is all resolved.”
The Canadian GP was also the cut off for the FIA to announce its first ADUO list for engine manufacturers currently lagging behind in terms of performance.
With more rule tweaks likely, and a push for parity amongst PU manufacturers, the competitive landscape is up for change for the likes of Verstappen & Co.
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