Lauda: the Brazilian GP showed that there are too many rules

Niki Lauda questioned the choices made by the race management to twice interrupt the Brazilian Grand Prix held last Sunday due to rainy conditions.

The non-executive chairman of Mercedes GP, who lost the title in 1976 to James Hunt by deciding not to run in the rain at the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji, believes that the drivers were able to race at Interlagos despite the accidents at Romain Grosjean, Marcus Ericsson and Kimi Räikkönen.

“The conditions were perfect for a race contested in the rain, commented the three-time world champion. This is an example which shows that everything is too codified. It is true that all the top pilots have had scares, with the possible exception ofHamilton, but this is normal in a race in the rain. »

“I think there were mistakes made. We need to discuss this with Carlie Whiting (the FIA ​​race director) so that it doesn't happen again in the future. Drivers must race, even when conditions are most difficult.”, added Niki Lauda.

The race management has been acting with the greatest caution since the accident which cost the life of Jules Bianchi at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. The regulations for the 2017 season nevertheless provide for standing starts in the rain.

Discover the full report and analysis of the Brazilian Grand Prix, produced by our special correspondents in Sao Paolo, in issue 2089 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version, and from this Wednesday on newsstands.