(Motorsport-Total.com) – Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has dampened expectations for the new regulation adjustments, arguing that it is unlikely fans will see whether the changes have had an effect as early as the upcoming Miami Grand Prix.
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During the five-week break between the Japanese and Miami Grands Prix, the FIA and Formula 1 management met with teams and other stakeholders to discuss regulation adjustments. This followed complaints about energy management and safety concerns after Oliver Bearman’s accident in Suzuka.
Although refinements to the regulations have been agreed upon, Coulthard explained that it could take several races for the full effect of these changes to become visible. “I don’t think we’ll necessarily see the results of these changes in Miami due to the nature of the circuit there,” explains the former Red Bull driver on the podcast Up To Speed.
“There are many slow and medium-speed corners there. There isn’t really anything big, substantial – no iconic corner section where you say: ‘Wow, I really saw the driver or the car do something special there.’ So I think we have to give it a few races.”
“But I do believe it will make a difference. There’s no question about that. And it might reduce some of the on-track overtakes that some people have been happy about,” said the Scot.
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“But is a reduction in performance for the opponent – while you yourself have the boost available because you were at the right place at the right time on the track to activate the trigger for the boost – really an overtake? It’s a power surge, isn’t it? It’s an increase in power.”
“So I think we might see fewer of these on-track overtakes, but they will be more meaningful. It will be more about how the driver positions the car and tries to use the slipstream. Yes, you will still have an element of the boost, but that was basically what DRS was in previous years too. So I am optimistic.”
The Miami Grand Prix will take place from May 1st to 3rd at the Miami International Autodrome around Hard Rock Stadium.
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