Thoughts on current F1 Regulations

[Nitrodaze]

Even though it was obvious that the Mclaren-Honda is slow on the straights compared to the rest of the midfield which is where they are now, this weekend has been one of their better showing. There is evidence that there is a reaslistic potential for a proper step forward next season.

It was great to hear the Ron Denis interview. It is reassuring that he still has confidence in Honda delivering the goods next year. Mclaren are consoled by the fact that they are not alone on the wrong side of the regulations. But it was interesting to hear his opinion about the highly restrictive F1 regulations which seems to cripple in-season progression. I think the most important point he made was that the cost saving basis of these regulation was not being achieved as the regulations creates new reasons for spending. With Honda's very visible and humiliating difficulties in succeeding to produce a competitive package within the current regulations, it is clear the current rules is becoming a deterrent to attracting new teams and manufacturers. It would seem most teams are lukewarm about the regulations as they are about the tyres.

One looming blow to F1 is the threat by Redbull to exit the sport if they cannot find a competitive engine. Hearing Dr Marko today would suggest that this is a serious stance by Redbull. Redbull and Torro Rosso exiting the paddock in 2016 would be a huge blow to the current FIA regime, as it would be the clearest statement that they have got the regulations very wrong and have not been sensitive to the realities of the F1 teams. The reality is that there could be other teams exiting F1 along with Redbull for other reasons relating to cost and the restrictive regulations. It is not outside the possibility that Honda may also choose to withdraw from F1 in 2016 or 2017 for the same reasons.

The real question is , is the current F1 still a viable proposition given the difficulties teams are having to operate competitively if they start the year with any deficit in performance. Not to mention the damaging effect of the failure to succeed within the regulations has on the corporate brand. Having two world champion drivers, two multiple world championship teams and two world championship engine manufacturers dealing with publicly visible frustrations of living with the painful realities of the constraints of the regulations, would suggest that the regulations may have gone a tad too far.

We can only truely judge the regulations on the quality of the racing it produces. Could we retrospectively say that the racing has improved compared to racing prior to the current regulations? Has cost, consequently spending gone down? Is it safer? Is F1 more accessible? Are drivers and teams happy and comfortable with the state of affairs? If you can objectively answer yes to all of these questions, then the regulations is spot on.

What is your take on this? Is the current F1 regulation spot on or too restrictive?