F1 motorsport director Ross Brawn believes that the racing action at the British GP proved the effectiveness of the new technical regulations.
A three-way battle between Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and Sergio Perez in the final laps was one of the most remarkable moments of the British GP. Brawn shared his thoughts about it in his column on the official Formula 1 website.
“We were treated to some fabulous racing. What pleased me was the precision the drivers could have with the cars,” he wrote.
“We saw countless fascinating battles that went for several corners, with multiple changes of position. We saw drivers were able to take multiple lines with these new cars – and that allowed for two, three or even four cars going almost side-by-side.
“The quality of the passes was high, too. Drivers really had to work to get a move done – it wasn’t simply a case of using DRS to fly by.”
Brawn also stated that drivers were delighted with how racing changed because of new rules.
“We’ve seen some cracking battles this year, including wheel-to-wheel fights with multiple changes of position for the lead of the Grand Prix between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
“The drivers are enjoying these cars and have been very positive. They have all appreciated the change and the newfound ability to get up close to other cars.
“Many of them have qualified that while it doesn’t always lead to straightforward overtaking, the chance to sit on the tail and pressurize and try and force a mistake is significantly improved. I don’t think there has been a single driver who has not acknowledged or been enthused by that.
“The frequency where cars are following for consecutive laps and challenging for consecutive laps is much better this year than in previous years.
“What it demonstrates is the direction F1 and the FIA have gone in is absolutely the right direction to follow, and the sport can go forward with renewed confidence that this approach is what is needed for the future. It must always be a significant factor in the design and modification of these cars.”
