Mercedes F1 chairman Niki Lauda claims that the way officials reacted during the rain soaked and action packed Brazilian Grand Prix proves that Formula 1 is over-regulated.
Speaking after a thrilling race at Interlagos, Lauda said, “They were perfect conditions for a rain race. This is an example that everything is over-regulated. Okay, all the top drivers had their moments, perhaps with the exception of Hamilton. But this is normal in a rain race.”
With regards to the officiating, including a decision not to red flag the race for a second time, Lauda said, “I think mistakes were made so we need to get together with Charlie Whiting to do better in the future. Race drivers have to race, even in the most difficult conditions.”
Lauda was full of praise for Red Bull driver Max Verstappen who was simply on another level to his peers, barring Hamilton, and for many was the star of the show in Sao Paulo, “He did the job, unbelievable, the way he passed was just incredible.”
“I know the guy is good but he proved to everybody what he can do. Some drivers should look carefully at Max and what lines this boy drives,” advised the Formula 1 legend.
Ironically, Lauda lost the 1976 Formula 1 world championship when he refused to race in the rain affected 1976 Japanese Grand Prix, watching from the pits as James Hunt took the title in treacherous conditions. Admittedly the circumstances of Lauda’s withdrawal were very different on that day.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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