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Jean Todt has hit back at top drivers who say they want more say about the rules in Formula One. In Barcelona, Sebastian Vettel called the 2019 rule changes designed to boost overtaking "comical".
"Not to say that we know everything, but we know how the cars feel," said the Ferrari driver. "But we're not really asked."
Daniel Ricciardo agreed: "Our opinions should at least be heard."
And world champion Lewis Hamilton said: "We should make the decisions."
But FIA president Todt lashed out at the drivers, saying there are already structures in place so that they can have a say. "It's up to them," the Frenchman is quoted by the German newsmagazine Focus. "Anyone who wants to speak with me, whether it's a top driver or otherwise, can do it within 48 hours," Todt added.
The FIA president also expressed frustration that the drivers chose to air their views publicly at the Spanish grand prix, forcing him to now respond. "I don't want to now read the headline 'Todt contradicts Vettel', but that's what you'll do," said Todt.
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (7)
Login to replyjuju_hound
Posts: 180
It's shouldn't be this attitude like "Anyone who wants to speak with me, (...) can do it within 48 hours,". FIA should make a meeting to listen the drivers or just pretend listening.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Let them at the very leadt be heard. Its not like they are worse than some of the corporate pladdering business baboons already making decisions.
krommenaas
Posts: 155
Imo neither the teams nor the drivers should have any direct say in the rules coz their preferences will always be coloured by self interest. Get retired drivers to give their input instead.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Thank you. I think it's valuable to have their views, but in now way should drivers be making the decisions. The idea of retired drivers is a good one.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I disagree, I want teams and drivers to get a say, but I'd like to see the team's get decreased power.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I don't think anyone is advocating for completely shunning the drivers. But guys like Lewis said "We should make the decisions." That for me crosses the line. I am no Jean Todt fan by any means, but I agree with him that they should have spoken to him first. There is a drivers association. But no damn it, drama and politics are always the first choice in F1.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah I dont even count him. Im more down Ricciardo's alley with that drivers at the very least should be heard. I'd say include them in the talks, let them be heard or even give them an actual but very limited say, and restrict the teams to about the same level. But honestly, was it really that bad this time? They just said that "yeah, we'd like to join in"... Well apart from Hammy, but being subtle or humble wasnt ever really his strong point...