F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Mosley: 'New rules may take F1 in the wrong direction'

Former F1 president Max Mosley offered his view on the massive regulation overhaul  implemented this year, and is unsure it will be steer F1 in the right direction.

Many have expressed either confidence or concern over the big changes which include wider tyres and increased downforce.

But until the first few races of the season are run, judging Formula 1's new rules is just a guessing game for pundits and talking heads.

Critics of the new regulations - among which are a few drivers - point to increased cornering speeds, thanks to downforce and mechanical grip which, combined with shorter braking distances, could make overtaking very difficult. A view Mosley agrees with.

"My personal view is that it may have gone in the wrong direction," he said. "I would have gone for less aero and perhaps more mechanical grip."

Mosley underlined the fact that the 2017 changes run counter-trend to what the FIA has been doing for the past five decades.

"Deliberately setting out to make the cars quicker is questionable because all the rules for the last 40 or 50 years brought in by the FIA have been to make the cars slower – either slower or safer, because speed equals danger obviously."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

Vowles warns 2026 weight limit will catch F1 teams out

When F1’s radically redesigned 2026 cars finally roll out in Barcelona at the end of…

11 hours ago

Why Verstappen isn’t expecting much running at F1’s first test

Max Verstappen has never been one to sugar-coat reality – and as Formula 1 braces…

12 hours ago

Revolut’s CMO slams Ferrari: ‘How can you put blue on a red car?’

Ferrari have survived decades of criticism about strategy calls, driver politics and pit stops that…

14 hours ago

Mercedes 2026 advantage in doubt after concerning claim

While the paddock has been whispering for months that Mercedes might be holding the winning…

15 hours ago

Our salute on this day to Big Dan

Dan Gurney passed away on this day in 2018, and here at F1i we'll never…

16 hours ago

Jules Bianchi’s final kart recovered after theft

What began as a painful reminder of loss has ended with a moment of profound…

17 hours ago