Former F1 driver Mark Webber has raised concerns that new start procedures could cause havoc on the opening laps of future Grands Prix.
The changes come into force at this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix and include race engineers were not being able to adjust clutch biting points as well as a restriction on communications between driver and team.
It’s the reduced role of engineers that has the former Red Bull driver especially concerned.
“It’s a real art for the engineers to try and have the clutch temperature linked with the tyre temperature and the track grip – they are the three things you need.” Webber told The Guardian
With stalled cars being a disaster for an F1 team, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has admitted he is also concerned; given the front-runners inconsistent form at the start line so far this season.
“Maybe it will be better for us in Belgium. We got jumped by two Williams last time and then jumped by two Ferraris. We need to get on top of the situation. It is not acceptable and needs to be analysed.”
Whether the concerns will rear their head during the race at Spa remains to be seen, however, it could add an interesting subplot to a season in dire need of some tighter competition.
Indeed, the last two races have produced gripping contests due to poor starts from Hamilton and Rosberg, however Webber also believes that the changes have been brought forward in order to curb the dominance of the Mercedes cars.
The Australian agrees that: “If they’re looking for more variation and more showbiz, it is something that could work, to have the leaders or favourites have a poor start to the race and then there could be an interesting trend to watch them fight back.”
Yet concerns about marshall safety if a car stalls during the start of a wet race, and the potential carnage that could be caused by a frontrunner not starting when the lights go green could see the new plans go back to the drawing board before the end of the season.
Not everyone seems to be concerned about the changes however, Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg defended the new rulings.
“It’s going to make it even more exciting because it will be even more in our hands – and even more difficult – to do a good start,” he says. “It will throw in a lot of variables. It will be much more difficult – and much more difficult to predict the outcome of the start. Hopefully, I can use it to my advantage.”
