FIA should rethink 'nightmare' radio clampdown - Wolff
Toto Wolff thinks Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix proved F1 needs to rethink its new clampdown on radio communications.
Ultimately, a last-minute compromise meant only driver 'coaching' was banned in Singapore and for the rest of the season.
But the governing FIA is still planning to outlaw all 'performance'-related messages from the start of 2015, including any radio call that helps the driver to manage the technical systems aboard his car.
Mercedes chief Wolff, however, said former championship leader Nico Rosberg's electronic and steering wheel problems in Singapore proves that F1 needs to think again about the planned 2015 clampdown.
Coded messages
A post-race controversy involving McLaren accusing Red Bull of coding illegal messages to Daniel Ricciardo in Singapore has emerged, but Wolff said Mercedes was also nearly caught out on Sunday.
"We had several moments where we discussed whether what we were saying was still within what is allowed," said the Austrian, "so I think there are some messages that will require more calibration."
A matter of safety
But he says it is the 2015 clampdown that is really worrying him.
"If it (the clampdown) had been enforced as originally suggested, it would have been a nightmare," said Wolff.
"Can you imagine not being able to give any messages to the drivers in our situation (with Rosberg)?
"How do you want to communicate with the driver whose steering wheel is not showing him anything anymore? It's also a matter of safety," Wolff insisted.
"Maybe the Singapore race, with all of its ingredients, needs to flow into any future decisions on radio messages.
"I think Charlie (Whiting) and the FIA have realised that this needs another look and I'm sure that good will come out of it at the end," he added.
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
James Vowles faces "tough moment" as Nico Rosberg calls Williams woes "a shocker"
Kimi Antonelli could get "more and more panicked" in F1 title fight, says Nico Rosberg
Nico Rosberg proposes major F1 VSC rule change after Lando Norris Spanish GP setback
"We're stuck with what we've got" – Why Kimi Antonelli can't revert to previous Mercedes spec in Singapore
Kimi Antonelli pessimistic for F1 Singapore GP with upgraded Mercedes
How the Bahrain GP in Malaysia exposed Red Bull’s hidden resurgence
"We're stuck with what we've got" – Why Kimi Antonelli can't revert to previous Mercedes spec in Singapore
Honda “super bad” in Indonesian GP practice after falling behind 2025 pace
Max Verstappen’s one-lap gamble – and what Pirelli reveals about his Singapore sprint pole
In effort to avoid the rain, NASCAR changes practice and qualifying schedule for Charlotte
Why Red Bull's 'crazy' power unit success matters so much for F1
No denying it now – the one reason why F1’s ‘horrible’ start in Malaysia could be a good thing
The greatest F1 campaigns with no wins
Three kings: F1's generational stars shone at Sepang
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments