Towards a limitation of radio communications in F1?

The information, revealed by Autosport, is quite surprising: discussions within the F1 Strategy Group – composed equally of representatives from the FIA, commercial rights holders, and team bosses – during the Italian Grand Prix reportedly led to a request to the FIA by team officials to ban certain types of radio messages.

This desire is based on the feeling that drivers are increasingly relying on information given from the pit wall to be faster, making them appear as if they are remotely controlled, which could harm the image they have among fans of the premier discipline. This situation has often been highlighted this season in radio communication excerpts from Mercedes, for example, where Nico Rosberg frequently asked his engineer for driving advice, and where Lewis Hamilton often inquired about where he needed to gain time.

If the total ban on communications seems to have been considered, the primary intention is to prohibit certain types of messages from pit to car by reinforcing Article 20 of the 2014 Sporting Regulations, which states that: « The driver must drive the car alone and unaided. » Thus, any communication from the pits that would help drivers improve their performance – excluding procedural and safety messages – would be an infraction.

In the car-to-pit direction, however, drivers would remain free with their messages. These often contribute to the popularity or unpopularity of the drivers. Kimi Räikkönen, at Lotus, became a specialist in memorable communications, the most famous being undoubtedly « Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing! » during the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Discussions between teams and the FIA are underway for a clarification of this regulatory development expected before the Singapore Grand Prix, from September 19 to 21.

Eric Boullier, questioned about radio communications, commented on the constraints of the new regulations and the appreciation of the messages: « The constraints we have this season are less fuel, and harder tires, and I understand it can be a message that confuses the fans that drivers have to save tires and fuel, despite everything. »

« Radio messages and instructions have always been given since the radio was introduced. [This problem] is new today because they have been broadcast for three years. FOM could stop that or filter them. But, in the end, why not make another rule to make it simpler and let the drivers express themselves a little more on the track? It’s better, obviously, » he concluded, for Autosport.