Vettel and FIA in war of words regarding driver input in car rules

Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari are currently working hard to get the Ferrari in its best shape for the Monaco GP after the drab weekend in Barcelona.

Vettel is obviously not thrilled about what transpired on the race track in Barcelona but is also upset about how the FIA is changing/adapting the rules without even taking the drivers into consideration.

Vettel feels that drivers’ inputs are not taken that seriously and that FIA just does it so as to ‘tick the boxes’.

“In a way it’s good that we’re not making the rules because it’s not our job, we might not have enough of an idea. But on the other hand we’re driving the cars, if you want to talk about what the cars need I think it would be an interesting source to just ask us.

“We haven’t really been asked. If we have then it was more to tick that box. ‘Asked’ and ‘listened’ I think is two different things.” Vettel said.

FIA have reduced downforce levels of cars from 2019 so as to give the sport of F1 more ‘overtaking duels’.

“I think it’s normal that everyone’s looking for their own interest. But those decisions… I think no driver appreciates the fact that the cars are getting slower.

“Slowed down by one-and-a-half seconds, does that really help? I think there are some changes you can do to the aero without making the cars slower, that would probably help overtaking.” Vettel added.

FIA needs to be a little more diligent with how it involves drivers in discussions regarding rules that affect them directly.

Jean Todt infact had told the media that drivers don’t really turn up to these driver meetings because they are apparently too ‘busy’.

“I do respect them and I know how busy they can be” Todt said.

“But they have access and very often there is a meeting and they don’t come to a meeting.

“We are very happy welcoming and encouraging drivers to participate,” he had concluded.