As he witnessed from inside Mercedes’ garage the chaotic start of last Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, Niki Lauda concluded once again that Grand Prix racing is just too restrained by its own regulations.
Opinions diverged along the pitlane Sunday afternoon with many believing that race director Charlie Whiting should have proceeded with a standing start, while later on drivers were mixed as to whether the race should have been stopped or not.
The great Austrian champion, who ironically lost the 1976 world title in Japan for refusing to race in the rain, deemed the whole affair of delaying the race and then stopping it “not worthy of Formula 1.”
“These were perfect conditions for a rain race,” he insisted. “This is an example that everything is over-regulated.”
“Okay, all the top drivers had their moments, perhaps with the exception of Hamilton. But this is normal in a rain race.”
Lauda suggested the afternoon’s unfolding of events warranted a discussion with the relevant parties.
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“I think mistakes were made today so we need to get together with Charlie Whiting to do better in the future. Race drivers have to race, even in the most difficult conditions.”
The Mercedes non-executive chairman also pointed to Max Verstappen in anybody wanted a few pointers on how to drive a Formula 1 car in difficult conditions.
“Some drivers should look carefully at Max and what lines this boy drives.”
2016 Brazilian Grand Prix – Driver ratings
FULL REPORT: Hamilton wins delayed Brazilian GP to take title to wire
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