F1 teams and FIA at odds over weight reduction and aerodynamics
Feb.2 - A new front in the latest political battle between the FIA, Formula 1 and the competing teams has opened up.
Recently, the trio of parties have seemed at loggerheads over a range of issues - the most pressing being F1's legal warning to the FIA over the issue of a potential $20bn sale of the sport's commercial rights.
But now, Auto Motor und Sport claims a new row is brewing over the new 2026 engine rules.
Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen talks with Mohammed ben Sulayem, FIA President, in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of Austria
According to the German magazine, the teams "are demanding that the fundamental decisions be approved by the Formula 1 Commission".
"But at the moment (the body) has no mandate on the issue," added correspondent Tobias Gruner.
Reportedly, the teams are arguing that the weight of the 2026 cars should be significantly reduced by slashing their basic dimensions, "but the topic is not on the agenda".
Another argument about the FIA's desire for active aerodynamics is also in play.
"At the moment the fronts are hardened," Gruner said. "There are again stormy times ahead for Formula 1."
But according to new Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur, the current political disputes - especially the division between FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Liberty Media - should soon become a side issue.
"I'm really convinced that as soon as we put the cars on track, this will disappear a little bit off the screen," he is quoted by the Mirror newspaper.
"For sure we'll have discussions but, as always, I hope that we'll be able to stay focused on the sporting side."
Vasseur also told Italy's Corriere dello Sport that he is expecting a tough political season personally - and confirmed that since becoming Ferrari boss, he and Mercedes counterpart Toto Wolff "don't talk anymore".
"We will fight on the track, we will argue in front of the race management and the FIA, and also on the Concorde Agreement," he admitted.
"But for the greater good, it's an excellent advantage that there is collaboration between the teams. I have a good relationship with almost all my colleagues which I think is always a good thing."
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Come onnn, who didnt enjoy hearing Christian slagging off Christian , in a my dads bigger than your dad style, course they get on, until a Max and Lucy scenario comes up again
Reducing car length & width should be achievable without sacrificing safety features.
Since Liberty Media took over their role F1 has become more of a commercial specticle than great motor sport in typical USA style. While an arguement exists this is good for F1 it is detracting from traditional F1 appeal for many of us. Maybe chamging the commercial rights contract will be a good thing if teh right operater can be found. Liberty Media need to justify their past action and propose an improvement in the F1 experience if it wishes to retain teh contract.