Max Verstappen is one of several drivers to have criticised F1’s new regulations, but what does the sport need to do to keep its drivers happy?
Dan Ticktum, a current Cupra Kiro Formula E driver and former Red Bull junior, has provided Formula 1 with a set of “simple” instructions aimed at ensuring the satisfaction and retention of its top stars within the series. Notable figures like Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, and Fernando Alonso have expressed discontent with the championship’s new power unit regulations, particularly the 50/50 split between electrical power and internal combustion. Among those critical of the rules, Verstappen has been the most outspoken, even suggesting the possibility of retiring from F1 if circumstances remain unchanged. Scheduled meetings, including one on 8 April with the FIA, F1, and teams, have been planned this month to address concerns regarding the regulations and explore potential solutions prior to the Miami Grand Prix. The newly implemented regulations have resulted in drivers needing to lift and coast during qualifying and contend with rapidly approaching rival cars, leading to worries among fans about the overall spectacle of the sport. Ticktum proposes that F1 should prioritize the elements that both drivers and fans cherish about the sport, emphasizing the need to return to these fundamental aspects to enhance the championship comprehensively. When questioned about the risk of F1 losing its top talents, Ticktum emphasized the importance of preserving the unique attributes that endear people to F1 and motorsport as a whole, stressing the significance of creating a captivating and thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. According to Ticktum, F1 should prioritize characteristics such as speed, noise, and excitement, moving away from the current trajectory marked by quieter engines and complex hybrid technologies to deliver a more captivating and engaging spectacle that resonates with drivers and audience members alike.
