[Saba Sports News] The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) recently held an online discussion. When the topic of the new F1 season regulations came up, numerous drivers expressed dissatisfaction regarding the increased difficulty of driving. Mercedes driver George Russell noted that the energy management procedures are now far more complex than before, with many differences in operation.
In the new season, drivers cannot simply “floor it”; they must switch between different “energy modes” and “aerodynamic modes” in real-time based on track conditions, remaining battery life, and tire wear. This means more buttons on the steering wheel and a lower margin for error. Past track experience is gradually becoming obsolete in the face of the new car characteristics; brake feel and cornering lines all need to be relearned. Regardless of seniority, all drivers are starting from scratch, making learning ability the core competitiveness of the new season.
The author believes that these complaints are essentially a form of high-level self-positioning and market messaging. While decompressing among themselves, the drivers are also conveying the elite nature of F1 to the outside world. This sport is no longer just about speed; it is a battle of top-tier mental agility and technology. The format of the new season may change completely, transforming from a gladiatorial arena of close-quarters combat into a stage of intellectual strategy that tests precise calculation.