Ferrari criticises FIA’s late regulatory change ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
Ferrari has expressed dissatisfaction with a recent regulatory adjustment made by the FIA, claiming it has put both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at a disadvantage leading into this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, reports BritPanorama.
The Scuderia chose a smaller turbo configuration during pre-season development, which initially contributed to strong performances at previous races in Australia and China, where both drivers were fastest after the opening lap.
A team spokesperson described the FIA’s intervention as “unfair,” stating, “It was a bit harsh for us. I understand what they did for safety grounds, but the other option would have been to ask [the other cars] to start from the pit-lane if they think it was not safe.”
This regulatory controversy arises as Formula One resumes after a fortnight’s break, with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers’ championship standings.
Currently, Hamilton trails Antonelli by 49 points and is eight points behind his Ferrari teammate Leclerc. Despite his struggles, Hamilton’s season has shown flashes of potential amid challenges adjusting to his new team.
He began the season with a fourth-place finish in Melbourne and secured his first podium with Ferrari, finishing third in Shanghai. However, results in subsequent races in Japan and Miami only yielded sixth-place finishes, limiting his capacity to close the points gap.
Jenson Button has voiced support for Hamilton continuing his career beyond this season, but he cautioned that Ferrari will ultimately decide his future if results do not improve. He noted the adjustment challenges Hamilton faces, having spent years with a familiar team before making the switch to Ferrari.
Button remarked, “Obviously, last year was not the easiest for Lewis. He spent so many years in a team that he knew really well, and had a lot of support from that team.” The former driver acknowledged that the transition at age 40 brings additional hurdles, but he expressed satisfaction with Hamilton’s competitive performance this year.
Button stated, “If he is not quick, the team will make a decision. You can’t just leave it up to a driver when they retire.”
Wider discussions around regulations highlight a desire among leading drivers for more involvement in determining F1’s trajectory. Hamilton has been vocal about the necessity for change, stating, “We do engage with the FIA and F1; F1’s more often a little bit more responsive. But being that we’re not stakeholders – we don’t have a seat at the table currently, which I think needs to change.”
Reigning world champion Lando Norris echoed such sentiments, advocating for a return to “flat-out racing” instead of the current constraints imposed by battery management systems.
As the season unfolds, the complexities of regulation and performance intertwine, reminding us how intricately linked technology and competition have become in the pursuit of victory.
