(Motorsport-Total.com) – The season opener of the new Formula 1 era in Australia has sparked a lively debate in the paddock. While some drivers and team principals praise the race as spectacular and entertaining, others see major problems with the new cars and rules.
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Even after the first Grand Prix, opinions are therefore clearly divided. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff initially drew a positive conclusion. Especially the early phase of the race showed that the new Formula 1 can certainly be spectacular.
“Anyone who said there might be too little show was proven wrong at the start,” says Wolff. Overall, too, the racing has not changed dramatically from his point of view. “I think the racing hasn’t made much of a difference compared to previous years.”
However, Wolff points out that the Melbourne circuit is particularly energy-intensive and therefore not necessarily the best example for the new regulations. On other tracks, the show effect could be greater.
Hamilton enthusiastic about the new car
Lewis Hamilton is one of the drivers who particularly enjoyed the race. “That was great,” says the seven-time world champion. “It was really fun.”
Above all, the first laps after the start provided exciting duels. “There was good racing between the cars,” says Hamilton. His conclusion after the first race is therefore clearly positive: “So far it looks good.”
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur also expressed satisfaction with the premiere of the new cars. “For the sport, it was a very good race,” says Vasseur. The start and the first ten laps were “the most exciting we have seen in the last ten years.”
Norris particularly critical
World champion Lando Norris, on the other hand, sees it quite differently. The McLaren driver is one of the sharpest critics of the new rules. When asked for his conclusion, Norris answers briefly: “It’s terrible.” The racing itself also failed to convince him. “It’s not as fun as last year,” says Norris.
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He is particularly concerned about the sometimes large speed differences between the cars. These could become dangerous in extreme cases. “You can have differences of 30, 40, or 50 km/h,” explains Norris. “If someone hits there, it can end really badly.”
Drivers have to manage more at the same time
A central theme of the new cars is the complex energy management. Drivers have to control significantly more parameters during the race than before. Charles Leclerc describes the situation like this: “It’s extremely difficult.”
In addition to the actual driving, one must constantly think about energy use, battery management, and overtaking maneuvers. “Every little thing you do to overtake a car has an impact on the rest of the lap,” explains the Ferrari driver.
Sky expert Timo Glock also sees this as a major adjustment for the drivers. While tire management was previously the decisive factor, drivers now have to keep an eye on many additional factors at the same time. “You have ten other things to think about,” says Glock.
Hope for further development
In the paddock, it is therefore clear: the new cars are still at the beginning of their development. Audi team principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasizes that the racing could continue to improve as the teams gain more experience.
“These cars will become more mature and easier to drive,” he says. For him, one thing is certain: despite all the criticism, real racing was seen in Australia. “We saw overtaking maneuvers, position changes, and a real race.”
Whether the new Formula 1 generation proves itself in the long term will likely only be seen in the coming races. Already at the next Grand Prix in China, teams and drivers will gather further insights.
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