F1 radio ban ‘impossible’ to monitor – Button

McLaren-Honda driver Jenson Button thinks it will be “impossible” for the FIA to ensure the stricter ban on radio communications between teams and drivers is thoroughly enforced.

Formula One’s governing body has rubber stamped the clampdown ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in a fresh bid to give more decision-making power back into the drivers’ hands.

New restrictions includes the interdiction to communicate gaps to other cars, the tyre choice for the next pit stop, and even the number of laps remaining.

“It definitely will add something,” Button is quoted as saying by Autosport. “It's just policing it is pretty much impossible. That's the only thing.

“They are not going to listen to every single radio, every single broadcast every time we use it. It's difficult to police really.

“We'll have to see how it goes, but hopefully they can listen to as much as possible to make it as fair as possible.”

The revamped rules have triggered mixed reactions in the paddock, with reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton expecting drivers to “struggle” while Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg is pleased to see “F1 re-inventing itself”.

Entering his 17^th season in the top flight, Button thinks the ban will play into his hands, having previous knowledge of racing with little information available.

“It definitely helps the more experienced drivers,” the 2009 world champion added. “You go into the data and you learn everything you can, whereas you become lazy if you've been in the sport for a few years.

“I remember the days when we had no information about what was going on, so I'm looking forward to it.”

F1i's Australian Grand Prix preview

2016 F1 season: Team-by-team preview

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