In the round-up: The FIA has defended its proposed rules for the 2026 Formula 1 seasons over claims they will be too complicated for fans to understand.
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In brief
New F1 rules not too complicated – FIA
After Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack expressed concerns the planned 2026 rules would cause confusion among fans, the FIA’s single seater director Nikolas Tombazis defended the planned changes, including new active aerodynamics modes and an override facility to aid passing.
“In reality the X-mode and the Z-mode are really parts of the normal running of the car,” said Tombazis.
“The elements to assist getting close to the front car, the equivalent of the current DRS, will be handled by the electrical power. I think it’s a smidgen more complicated than what we have now.
“I don’t think it is rocket science, and clearly we will need to explain it adequately to everybody so people understand what they’re saying. But I don’t think it is really that complicated.”
Buemi unimpressed by “artificial” competition
Sebastien Buemi described the competition at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours as “artificial”. Speaking while the race was going on the Toyota driver admitted he had doubts over how many manufacturers were in contention for victory.
“Sometimes I have the feeling it’s a bit artificial,” said Buemi, “but I guess people like that.”
The series’ Balance of Performance system is intended to bring the field closer together on performance. Several Safety Car periods also reduced the separation of cars across the field, and contributed to the top nine finishers completing the same number of laps.
“For us drivers, having those slow zones and Safety Cars putting us back all the time, it’s a bit difficult, but that’s the way the race is now and we need to to make the most out of it,” Buemi added.
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Notable posts from X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and more:
Just before dawn 69 years ago today on June 16, 1955 our ship sailed past the Statue of Liberty into the New York Harbor and we began our life in America. It was an 11-day trip on the Italian ocean liner Conte Biancamano. Here’s a picture of the ship and the receipt for the 5… pic.twitter.com/48d9xwfQX5
— Mario Andretti (@MarioAndretti) June 16, 2024
#LeMans24 – we are live from Race Control, at the Circuit des 24 heures. Le Mans is not only tough for drivers. Thanks to all the officials working tirelessly to ensure safe and fair racing. #FIA #WEC pic.twitter.com/CrZHFSHH81
— FIA (@fia) June 16, 2024
|@RedBullRacing exemplifying that deeply unattractive “we’re the only motorsport there is” attitude which is so typically F1 yet all the more unrealistic given @Max33Verstappen‘s enthusiasm for Le Mans:https://t.co/5ai1j1TNnr#F1
— Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) June 16, 2024
The 24 hours of Le Mans 2024: Fourth place.
I enjoyed it. I was proud. I was grateful to be there. I worked my ass off for months and did everything I can imagine to be ready.
But it wasn’t enough this year. That hurts and will hurt for the coming weeks. But eventually it will…— Laurens Vanthoor (@VanthoorLaurens) June 16, 2024
Yes yes – it’s because of the safety car rules but my point is the run to the finish will be awesome
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) June 16, 2024
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On this day in motorsport
- 40 years ago today reigning champion Nelson Piquet, having failed to score in the first six races, won from pole position at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve