The reigning world champion regretted the mid-season rule change, while the Mercedes driver congratulated the entity for prioritizing health over performance
The FIA's (International Automobile Federation) decision to intervene in Formula 1 and announce a series of measures to reduce the number of quizzes is still making people talk. Now, the issue has reached the two main rivals for the 2021 season.
After the regulatory body determined a limit for vertical oscillation of the cars, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were questioned at a press conference on Friday (17) on the subject. The Red Bull Dutchman was against the body's action, while the Mercedes Briton was in favor.
"It's a bit frustrating that again we have a change in the rules in the middle of the season. It's not about the problem affecting us more or less than the other teams, but we shouldn't have a team complaining a lot and then suddenly they (FIA) change the rules," vented Verstappen, who added.
"I think there are a lot of teams that have done an amazing job of not having these problems with the quiques, so it is possible to get around them. If you lift your car, then you won't have problems, but you will lose performance. But if you can't get your car design the right way, then it's your problem, not the rules. For me, it's a shame," concluded the reigning world champion.
Hamilton, on the other hand, said he does not agree that the FIA's decision will affect the running of the championship and congratulated the entity for prioritizing safety over performance.
"It's always interesting to see people's perspective and opinions in different arenas. I think safety is the most important thing. I think at least one driver in every team has said that," the seven-time champion began.
"I don't think it's going to change much. But I think there's a lot of work to be done and it's positive that the FIA is taking action on this. We have this car model for the next few years, so it's not about adapting to the quiques for the next four years, but getting rid of them completely - so that drivers don't have problems. I don't really think (FIA intervention) will change much in terms of performance. I could be wrong. We'll see," Hamilton concluded.