'Free the artist in the drivers', says Zanardi

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Former F1 driver and paralympic gold medal winner Alex Zanardi believes Formula 1's new owners should 'let drivers loose' if their will is to improve racing.

Zanardi believes too restrictive rules and over-zealous stewards are damaging the sport.

"Formula one today? A bit too boring," the 50-year-old Italian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now it is the stewards who wish to be the stars."

Zanardi drew upon his own experience and reminded everyone of a memorable overtaking maneuver he once pulled off while racing in Indycar.

"Everyone remembers me for the pass I made on the limit at the corkscrew at Laguna Seca in 1996. But today, such a move would be impossible in F1. It would be immediately punished by the race director.

"The rules have changed and so have the cars," he added.

"In the 90s, the tyres and the power really put emphasized the ability of the drivers."

Zanardi said that there were many great talents in Formula 1, but no one was allowed the opportunity to perform their artistry.

"Those of my generation were real artists of the steering wheel. But today they are punished so severely for overtaking or driving even vaguely riskily, making them afraid of penalties or reluctant to risk anything.

"The show suffers as a result," he concluded.

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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.