FIA says drivers gave valuable input before Formula One rules meeting

Paris: Formula One's governing body has said drivers made an important contribution ahead of a meeting with teams on Monday that is set to consider proposed rule changes aimed at improving racing.

The sport is preparing for its biggest overhaul in decades, covering both chassis regulations and new power units. Under the planned engine framework, power is expected to be divided roughly equally between electric and combustion sources.

Drivers have raised concerns about how those changes could affect racing. They have complained about the impact on competition and also voiced safety worries linked to having to back off the throttle early and coast into high-speed corners so that the combustion engine can recharge the battery.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said on social media on Sunday that there had been constructive engagement between the governing body and drivers before the scheduled talks with team principals and other Formula One stakeholders.

The drivers have provided invaluable input on adjustments which they feel should be made, particularly in the areas of energy management to ensure safe, fair and competitive racing.

Ben Sulayem also said the FIA had held a series of meetings with technical representatives from teams and engine manufacturers to examine the proposed amendments.

Safety and the best interests of the sport are the main focus of these discussions,

he added.

He further said that after Monday's meeting, the final proposals would be submitted for an FIA World Motor Sport Council electronic vote.

Following the meeting tomorrow, the final proposals will be put before a FIA WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) e-Vote.

Drivers and FIA report closer coordination

Mercedes driver George Russell, who is also a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, said last week that relations between the drivers and the FIA were stronger than they had been for years. Speaking to reporters, he said the governing body understood the changes that were needed.

There have been some very positive conversations with the FIA, and everybody is aligned with what we're trying to achieve,

Russell said.

I think the two headline points are flat-out qualifying, so no lift and coast, and then reducing the closing speeds.

He also said the relationship between the drivers and the FIA was probably the closest it had been in years.

Safety concerns highlighted after Japan crash

The debate over possible changes has also followed a heavy crash involving Haas driver Oliver Bearman in Japan last month, an incident that led to calls for the FIA to introduce safety-related measures.

Bearman's car struck the barriers with a force of 50G after he approached and swerved to avoid Franco Colapinto's Alpine. There was a 50-kph speed difference between the two cars because one was using an electrical power boost while the other was low on battery and short on power.

The discussions now under way are focused on possible adjustments to energy management and speed differentials, with the FIA saying safety, fairness and competitiveness remain central to the process.