F1: Ross Brawn says new car design works as intended

In his regular column on Formula1.com, Ross Brawn talks about how great a race the British GP was, helped by the new design rules he was instrumental in implementing.

“This year’s race at Silverstone was a classic – and a perfect demonstration of what the sport was trying to achieve with these revolutionary new racing cars. It was a relief to see Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon are okay after big impacts – and once again, a fine example of the progress Formula 1 and the FIA have made with safety.

“Thereafter, we were treated to some fabulous racing. What pleased me was the precision the drivers could have with the cars. We saw countless fascinating battles that went for several corners, with multiple changes of position. We saw drivers were able to take multiple lines with these new cars – and that allowed for two, three or even four cars going almost side-by-side. The quality of the passes was high, too. Drivers really had to work to get a move done – it wasn’t simply a case of using DRS to fly by.

“We’ve seen some cracking battles this year, including wheel-to-wheel fights with multiple changes of position for the lead of the Grand Prix between Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 and Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving (16) the Ferrari F1-75 battle for track position during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 27, 2022 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) /

“The drivers are enjoying these cars and have been very positive. They have all appreciated the change and the newfound ability to get up close to other cars.

“Many of them have qualified that while it doesn’t always lead to straightforward overtaking, the chance to sit on the tail and pressurize and try and force a mistake is significantly improved. I don’t think there has been a single driver who has not acknowledged or been enthused by that.

“The frequency where cars are following for consecutive laps and challenging for consecutive laps is much better this year than in previous years.

“What it demonstrates is the direction F1 and the FIA have gone in is absolutely the right direction to follow, and the sport can go forward with renewed confidence that this approach is what is needed for the future. It must always be a significant factor in the design and modification of these cars.”