Flavio Briatore harshly criticized the new Formula 1 regulations: 'Fans understand only 20%'
Briatore criticized the new F1 regulations
porEditorial Team
Argentina
Alpine's executive advisor warned that, with the new technical direction, the top category is becoming an 'engineering exercise' that is difficult to understand
Amid the regulatory transformation that Formula 1 is undergoing, Flavio Briatore returned to the center of the debate with a critical view of the future of the category. From his role as executive advisor at Alpine, the Italian executive warned that the growing technical complexity and energy management can drive the public away from the spectacle.
The new regulations, with a greater role for electricity and different modes of power deployment, have changed the way drivers drive and plan strategies on track. For Briatore, this change alters the historical essence of the discipline and turns it into something increasingly difficult for fans to interpret.
Para Briatore, las nuevas normas hacen que sea cada vez más difícil entender lo que pasa
"Fans only understand 20%," he replied when he was asked whether the system is too complex for spectators. He called for greater clarity: "At least we have to explain what is really happening. Because for the driver it has become a completely different game," he emphasized, pointing out that even those who follow the category regularly encounter difficulties in understanding certain race situations.
In his analysis, he drew a parallel with Formula E, where energy management is decisive. "People from Formula 1 tried to drive those cars and it was impossible. Why? Because driving those cars was more of an engineering exercise. That is precisely where we are heading now."
The Italian illustrated the change with a direct comparison: "Normally, to overtake you floor the accelerator. Now you have to lift your foot." In his view, if battery management and technical parameters weigh more than pure speed, the category runs the risk of losing a large part of its identity. "What is certain is that, so far, Formula 1 hasn't done much to help spectators understand this part," he stressed.
Briatore advierte que la F1 puede perder su identidad
Beyond his sporting criticisms, Briatore highlighted the commercial growth experienced in recent years under the management of Liberty Media and the leadership of Stefano Domenicali. "Commercially, the improvement is unbelievable. Ten years ago, we had to knock on every door until our fingers hurt. Nowadays, people call you. It's a completely different game," he acknowledged.
However, he left a final warning: "We have to preserve the racing, we have to preserve the sound. That is Formula 1." For Briatore, the challenge will be to find a balance between technological innovation and spectacle, without sacrificing the distinctive feature that turned the category into the pinnacle of world motorsport.
