Brawn addresses concerns over need for 2022 regulations

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Ross Brawn at the Dutch Grand Prix. Netherlands September 2021

Ross Brawn in the paddock at the Dutch Grand Prix. Netherlands September 2021

Ross Brawn has addressed the concerns that people have about the widespread regulations changes coming in 2022.

Prior to this year, it was widely felt that such changes were needed given how dominant Mercedes had been over the rest of the field since the start of the hybrid era.

However, with this season producing a titanic battle between the German team and Red Bull, many are now less enthusiastic about changing things up so radically.

Brawn has responded to such concerns, reiterating the need for new regulations to improve wheel-to-wheel racing in particular.

“This weekend I heard some comments around whether the 2022 regulation changes are needed given we’re currently enjoying such a golden season this year,” he said in his column on the F1 website.

“I think that fails to understand the fact that while the championship is thrilling this year the cars still struggle to follow each other closely and create overtaking opportunities.

“While the 2022 rules won’t change the situation overnight I think they are a much better platform to improve the racing on the track

“And I’m sure that once the new rules have settled down, we will see some incredible races and championships in the future, with even more wheel to wheel action.”

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While he may feel the racing can be improved though, Brawn acknowledges that the current season is the best in a good while.

He thinks regulation changes already introduced such as the budget cap have played a part in this.

“Both championships are poised to take us through to the end of the season and provide one of the most exciting ends to the year that we’ve had in a long time. F1 is blessed,” he said.

“Why are we having such a great season? When I ran teams, there was no silver bullet. It was a case of chipping away at everything to make incremental improvements.

 

“I believe it’s the same with the sport. There is no doubt in my mind that the cost cap and the rules changes that were implemented are having a positive impact on the closeness and intensity of the championship.

“There is no capacity for a team to pour massive resource into a championship and try and run away with it. The resources are now limited and the teams are also focused on next year’s car, which is requiring a lot of time and resource.

“And this is all contributing to a close championship. We still want a meritocracy. We still want the best team to win. But we don’t want them to win by a country mile simply because they’ve got a bigger budget than anyone else.

“It’s pleasing to see the way things are developing.”

 

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