Pilots cautious about the 2017 regulations

In issue 2060 of AUTOhebdo, available in digital version and on newsstands, Jenson Button admitted to us that he wanted to find a F1 more physical and felt that “Each change in regulations brings its share of spice, excitement and new ideas. »

Yesterday, during the traditional drivers' press conference, they were again asked about their feelings about the ideas that have emerged so far, with an increase in the dimensions of single-seaters in width, wider tires as well, and an increase in aerodynamic downforce.

“Our view is that this was not necessarily the right direction and we were hoping that they would re-examine the issue to have a double check from a technical point of view, advances Nico Rosberg. Now it is what it is, so all we can do is accept it and make the best of it, and hopefully there are going to be some surprises. Maybe we'll love these cars and enjoy driving them even more than we do now. »

“My opinion is that the planned changes are the right ones, because what we need is to increase the mechanical grip of the cars, continues Esteban Gutiérrez, pilot Haas F1 Team. Where I am not entirely convinced is obviously the increase in downforce which will naturally make overtaking more difficult or rather following a car will be more difficult.

The changes are there and as a driver we don't have an option, we just have to make the best of them. I think the cars will be visually spectacular so from that side it's positive. »

Although a meeting took place on Tuesday at Biggin Hill, no final decision has yet emerged, although the deadline for setting the lines of the regulations had been set for April 30.