(Motorsport-Total.com) – Flavio Briatore is back in the paddock – and with him, the clear words. The Alpine advisor is not sparing with criticism of the technological course of the premier class. His criticism: Formula 1 is in danger of degenerating into a pure engineering exercise due to the complex energy management of the new generation, where the fan is left behind.
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The regulations for the future of Formula 1 rely heavily on electrification: Overtake boost, “straight-line” mode for the straights, “cornering” mode for the corners – for Briatore, it’s too much of a good thing. When asked whether the system would not become too complicated for the spectators, the Italian reacted in his usual direct manner: “I think so. The fans only understand 20 percent of it anyway.”
Even today, the sport has become unnecessarily fragmented due to details like the track limit debates. Although the younger generation is more affine to data through computers and sim racing, there is still a lack of transparency. “We must at least explain what is actually happening there,” Briatore demands. “Because for the driver, it has become a completely different game.”
Comparison with Formula E
Especially the comparison with Formula E serves as a warning for Briatore. He remembers the beginnings of the electric series, in which experienced pilots like Lucas di Grassi or former Formula 1 greats like Felipe Massa competed.
“Do you remember Formula E? Di Grassi was still winning at 50 or something,” Briatore exaggerates. “People from Formula 1 tried to drive these cars, and it was impossible. Why? Because it was more of an engineering exercise to move these cars. And that’s exactly where we’re heading now.”
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The focus has shifted: away from pure speed, towards the management of battery and charge status. “Normally you go full throttle to overtake. Now you have to lift,” the Alpine mastermind wonders. “I don’t know. What is certain: Formula 1 has not done much so far to make this part understandable to the spectator.”
Praise for Liberty Media
Despite his skepticism towards the technical regulations, Briatore finds words of praise for the commercial development under the leadership of Liberty Media and CEO Stefano Domenicali. In this regard, Formula 1 is in a completely different league today than it was a decade ago.
“Commercially, the improvement is incredible. Ten years ago, we had to knock on doors until our fingers were sore. Today, people call you. It’s a completely different game.”
For the future, however, Briatore calls for a return to the DNA of the sport: “We must preserve the racing, we must preserve the sound. That is Formula 1.” If managing the battery becomes more important than a heavy right foot, the premier class is in danger of losing its soul in his view.
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