F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Brawn: Mexico justified once again need for 2022 rules

Ross Brawn says last weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix and the action - or lack of - that unfolded among the front-runners justified once again Formula 1's 2022 regulation overhaul.

Save for the opening lap of the race and the commotion that occurred at the first corner, the racing was subdued between the top contenders, with the running order remaining relatively unchanged among the top six except for when positions briefly changed during the race's pitstop gyrations.

"The start was instrumental in shaping the race, with Max getting the jump on both Mercedes and then Valtteri spinning," commented Brawn.

"From there, the performance difference that we thought existed between Red Bull and Mercedes became real again.

"In qualifying, there was an anomaly with Mercedes ahead. Once we got into the race and Red Bull had a clear track with Max, it was clear they had a useful performance advantage.

"I know I’ve said this before in this column, but the race was another example of why we need the new technical rules that are coming in next season as it showed how challenging it is for the cars to get close enough to launch an overtake."

"Getting within one or two seconds was as close as most could get. And that’s why we wanted to change the regulations. We want to have cars that can race more closely."

Brawn nevertheless made clear that the subdued action took nothing away from Verstappen's flawless masterclass performance at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

"Max didn’t put a foot wrong," added F1's managing director of motorsport. "It was an impressive performance.

"And while Checo would get the emotional vote for Driver of the Day, for me it has to go to Max for his control on the first corner, how he delivered the perfect Safety Car restart and then how he didn’t let anyone get close thereafter."

Brawn said that Verstappen's approach to Sunday's race, when he devised the various strategies that would come into play, reminded him of the due diligence conducted before a rec weekend by one Michael Schumacher.

"Red Bull boss Christian Horner said after the race that Max spent a lot of time assessing potential strategies he could use at the start," said Brawn.

"It reminds me of how Michael Schumacher used to spend a long time walking a track on the Thursday before a race weekend.

"He would look at corners and check out the escape routes if things go wrong. He would then know if you can escape safely from a bold move and be more confident of making that move.

"Max sussed out the first corner very well in Mexico and had the confidence to pull it off

"There are four races left and anything can happen, so this championship fight is still far from over. I heard someone say that both deserve to win the title – and in some ways they do."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

7 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

8 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

12 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago