Regulation 2014: War is declared

In the columns of *The Independent*, Ron Walker, the promoter of the Australian Grand Prix, sharply criticizes the new sound of the 2014 single-seaters: “This sound is a disgrace. When the car speeds down the straight, you can’t even hear it. All local circuit promoters are worried it will drive fans away. Promoters are going to withdraw from F1. They will organize IndyCar races or others to keep the enthusiasts.”

To support his claims, he specifies: « We conducted a survey among the fans. It turns out that they are not interested in fuel savings. They want to see the drivers fight like gladiators without worrying about the amount of fuel they consume. »

The Australian, who is also the president of the promoters’ association, sent a letter to Bernie Ecclestone warning the FOM: « A meeting of all the promoters will take place in Bahrain and you will hear a strong and unanimous voice declare: “That’s enough, Bernie. This is not what we signed up for. »

He hints that the 2015 Australian Grand Prix might not take place: « We haven’t renewed our contract with Bernie yet, and that’s going to put pressure on the FIA. The Federation doesn’t have the right to destroy this sport. They are going to ruin what Bernie has built because of this. This problem alone might kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. We could easily take legal action. Bernie is clearly in breach of contract because this is not what we bought. »

Bernie Ecclestone’s contractual argument

Bernie Ecclestone, also opposed to the new regulations, admits that, in his opinion, the Australian promoter is very likely within his rights: « If Ron Walker decided to terminate his contract, I think that in the event of a lawsuit, our chances of winning wouldn’t be good. They signed a contract to get Formula 1 as it was at the time and now everything is different. I have never been satisfied with these new engines. »

However, the Briton would certainly not let it end there. Indeed, in 2011, he stated, also in The Independent, that if the promoters of the various races could not honor their contracts because they could not sell tickets, the FOM would not be able to turn against them and would probably have to sue the FIA because the new engine regulations breach their contract.

Jean Todt open to discussion

On his side, Jean Todt, the FIA president, is trying to temper the criticisms. The main one concerns the engine noise. On this subject, he says he is ready to collaborate with the teams to find a solution. In La Gazzetta Dello Sport, he assures: “Yes, the noise is different compared to previous years, and if this is a problem, we could discuss it with the teams to see how to make them louder.”

Regarding the lack of spectacle during the first Grand Prix of the season, the Frenchman believes it is better to wait a few Grand Prix before jumping to hasty conclusions. « Melbourne has never been renowned for its overtaking. I am convinced we will see more soon, it is better to wait before judging. »

Finally, fans have become concerned that Formula 1 might prioritize energy efficiency over performance, which would be at the expense of the spectacle. As a reminder, fuel consumption is currently limited to 100kg for an entire race. To align with the aficionados, the president of the FIA does not position himself as an apostle of moderation: « It was the teams who proposed this number, but if they want to move to 110 kg and everyone agrees, I have no problem with that. I don’t want F1 to be reduced to energy-saving. F1 remains the number one discipline in motorsport.

Niki Lauda, fierce defender of the new regulations

The non-executive chairman of Mercedes Grand Prix, Niki Lauda, stands by his previous statements. In Welt, he elaborates on what he thinks. Regarding the first race in Melbourne, he says: « It was a demonstration of modern and contemporary Formula 1. I find it incomprehensible and absurd that people are unhappy with this new Formula 1 after this very good race. »

In general, he finds that the new regulations are a very good thing. The Austrian triple world champion knows F1 very well, having been involved for four decades, and believes that it is a motorsport category fully in line with today’s technology. We are in a new era; with new transportation needs, environmental initiatives, the development of hybrid cars, and we must consider the quality of life for people in a highly technological world with all the challenges that come with it.

In this sense, he specifies: « The old V8s had become obsolete. Turbo technology provides more power with less fuel, less noise, a lower environmental impact, and reduced carbon emissions. That is why Honda is returning to F1 next year, alongside Renault, Ferrari-FIAT, and Mercedes, and perhaps other manufacturers will follow. I see only advantages. »

Then he returns once again to the issue of the noise of the V6s: “I must contradict Bernie. Formula 1 is not attractive because of the noise it makes. To me, talking only about the noise is incomprehensible and absurd. Don’t forget that these cars – thanks to their technology – are faster [in a straight line] than those outdated V8s.”

The noise emitted by the exhausts has nothing to do with it, and I don’t see how it’s important on an emotional level.

The former F1 driver is not at all in favor of an adaptation that promotes the increase of decibels: « It’s a bizarre idea to want to make these cars artificially louder, it’s not a good thing. Formula 1 is on the right track and the rule in this category is to progress as quickly as possible, not to move backward. For me, everything else makes no sense. »