FIA and F1 keep on changing the rules and introducing new rules every now and then. Sometimes, it may not sit well with many drivers, but not every one of them is as vocal as Lewis Hamilton. He has always been vocal about the Formula One rules and their implementation if they cause him and his fellow drivers any suffering. For instance, drivers are not happy about the possibility of a ban on tyre blankets. As a result, the Mercedes driver discussed his experience in driving without tyre blankets for Pirelli tests. Hence he knows that it is too dangerous and pointless.
Drivers lose their grip, especially in cold weather. And removing the tyre blankets will add fuel to the fire, causing more accidents. Apparently, discussions have been going on about the tyre blankets for a long time. But in recent years, the problem Mercedes and other teams have been facing the issue of F1 cars being too heavy. And in this case, Lewis Hamilton has come into agreement with the FIA President Muhammed Ben Sulayem. Both of them agree that the car needs to get lighter for safer and better races.
Lewis Hamilton Agrees With FIA President Regarding Car’s Weight
Sir Lewis Hamilton recently stated that he agrees with the aim of the governing body, FIA, for 2026 rules and regulations, which should be to get the cars to reduce weight. They need to make it lighter. In an interview with Motorsport.com, the Mercedes driver mentioned, “When we talk about difficulty with overtaking, Monaco Grand Prix comes to brain. It has gotten more challenging because the car is overweight. It has gone way too far.” According to him, the size and dimensions of the car were pretty good. But the weight and some more things are still pretty tight. Apparently, Mercedes had light wheels in the past, and the braking zones are more extended.
The Red Bull driver Sergio Perez also agrees with both Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, who said, “The size is more of an issue for me.” According to Checo, the dimensions can play a big role in street circuits like Monaco, where it is hard to race. But he feels that the tyres and the car’s size are too big as well. Anyway, on rare occasions, Lewis Hamilton agrees with FIA. But the F1 fans can never forgive the FIA and F1 authorities for ruining the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.
Fans Hit Back At FIA Because Of 2021 Abu Dhabi GP Fiasco
If it was not for the safety car’s bad timing to enter the track, Lewis Hamilton could have won the 2021 season. Race Director Michael Masi allowed five lapped cars to unlap themselves during the closing stages of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Moreover, with new soft tyres, Max Verstappen gained an advantage over Hamilton and won the race, finally becoming the new world champion. However, after that race, the FIA got a lot of backlash from fans. And those memories are again trending because of what the President recently commented on new entrants.
The FIA only breaks rules when they realize a certain driver can't win legitimately against Lewis Hamilton https://t.co/i0KJtBdD9R
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) June 26, 2023
Racefans recently quoted President Muhammed Ben Sulayem saying, “We cannot shut the application down. There are regulations. We cannot say no because we have another choice. Moreover, we are not breaking the rules.” But this did not sit well with fans. Moreover, soccer star Gareth Bale said he stopped watching F1 after the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The fans are also blaming FIA for these rules are causing a decrease in viewership and detrimental to the sport.