Clampdown on radio communications to spice up the action

The further clampdown on pit-to-driver radio communications in 2016 will spice up the action. That is the view of a couple of 2016 drivers, after Mercedes chief Toto Wolff this week declared that the incoming rule changes should make the Lewis Hamilton versus Nico Rosberg battle more exciting this year.

Some interpreted his comments sceptically, but German Rosberg agrees that the task for the drivers this year will be more complicated. "We'll have to fend for ourselves in most situations," the Mercedes driver told Brazil's Globo Esporte.

Sauber's Felipe Nasr agrees that the further clampdown on what drivers can be told about the operation of their complex cars will mean the workload increases. "I am studying what my responsibilities are now with the restriction in dialogue with the team," he said. "I believe we will have situations where the driver does not know what to do, as there are several things we can do when there are problems."

So with many believing 2016 will be another Hamilton versus Rosberg showdown at the front, the clampdown could be an advantage for the hardworking Rosberg over the more seat-of-the-pants Hamilton.

"It is getting closer to his now or never period for Nico," F1 veteran David Coulthard told the Sun newspaper. "He has my respect. He is a fast racing driver, but what we are looking for is an exceptional racing driver," the former McLaren and Red Bull driver added. (GMM)