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
Max Verstappen was "nightmare fuel" for George Russell in Baku, says Alex Brundle
Why Mercedes thought Max Verstappen was "on some sort of massive bungee cord" in Azerbaijan GP
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Toyota’s replacement plan if Ryo Hirakawa lands Haas F1 seat
Esteban Ocon to leave Haas at the end of F1 2026
How Carlos Sainz bounced back from the most difficult moment of his F1 career
FIA and ACO announce 10-year WEC deal after rumours about possible split
The problem with Ferrari’s endless team principal speculation
Why Mercedes is still quicker than McLaren
Baku late-race chaos almost costs George Russell victory over Max Verstappen
How George Russell claimed his career-best pole margin in F1 Azerbaijan GP qualifying
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