Norris and Leclerc see limited impact of the new rule changes

– The adjustments to the Formula 1 technical regulations showed their first effects under race conditions at the Miami Grand Prix. While the FIA classifies the changes in energy management as a step towards improving racing quality, the drivers so far see only limited effects on the actual race events.

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Lando Norris describes the innovations as a development in the right direction but still sees open issues. “Some things have remained as expected. There are still certain points where you get penalized the faster you drive. And that is something we drivers want to solve in the future, and I think Formula 1 as a whole too,” explains the McLaren driver after his sprint win.

Norris emphasizes that driving in qualifying feels somewhat more natural, but fundamental problems remain. “You want to go full throttle everywhere and get the maximum out of it. You don’t want to drive faster in a qualifying lap and get penalized for it. That shouldn’t really be the case, but it’s moving in the right direction,” he continues.

Track characteristics influence evaluation

At the same time, the world champion made it clear that the Miami track is not among the most critical circuits regarding energy management. As a result, potential problems are less visible than on other tracks.

In the race itself, the effects of the rule adjustments were hardly noticeable. “In the sprint race, nothing really changes,” says Norris. Overall, however, it is a step forward, even if further improvements can only be expected in the future.

Leclerc calls for realistic expectations

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc also sees progress but urges caution with expectations. “It is also right that we have to have realistic expectations because we can’t change that much. I think some of these technical rules and the problems we face will still somehow remain,” says the Monegasque.

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Leclerc praises the direction of the changes but doubts that the current problems can be completely solved. “We can minimize them, and I think the approach was right, and the steps the FIA has taken here have improved it. Whether we will ever get to a situation where these problems no longer exist, I’m not sure,” he says.

Discussion about Jo-Jo racing continues

Another discussed point is the so-called Jo-Jo racing, i.e., the difficulties in staying permanently close to a car ahead. According to Leclerc, the limited number of overtakes in the sprint is more due to external conditions. “I think today the fact that it was so hot also led to the tires overheating very quickly behind another car,” he explains.

Norris also assumes that this phenomenon will continue to exist. “I do think it will still be there. There is no reason why it shouldn’t be,” says the McLaren driver. The conditions in Miami just overlaid the effect.

The drivers largely agree that the changes bring initial improvements, but the fundamental challenges in the current rule package remain.

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