Nico Rosberg describes the re-start rule change as “extreme”, Daniel Ricciardo feels it’s “a bit too artificial” while Fernando Alonso isn’t too bothered.
From 2015 races that are affected by a Safety Car will have a standing re-start with the only exceptions within the first two laps and the last five.
Several drivers have had their say on the matter and few appear to be unimpressed by the new rule.
“I understand that the start is one of the most exciting times for the fans, but it sounds very extreme. It’s going too far with things,” Mercedes driver and Championship leader Nico Rosberg said.
“I like pure racing the way it’s been for the last 50 years. I don’t really want to see such a huge change to do another start. It’s a bit strange. My natural opinion at the moment is that it should stay the way it is now.”
Meanwhile Red Bull’s Ricciardo feels it punishes the lead driver too much.
“I guess it’s maybe a bit more exciting because there’s a bit more variability with the standing start,” the Australian said. “But for me that’s a bit too artificial because if you’re leading the race by ten seconds and the Safety Car comes out then you lose your advantage that you’ve built up. You keep your position but you still lose something.
In essence, then, the actual race could be only 6 laps long. This is just more ‘show biz’ garbage. Bye-bye, F-1!