Lucas di Grassi on new F1 rules: “There’s no real consistency in technological development”

Lucas di Grassi has once again spoken about the new Formula 1 regulations, also touching on why they were introduced, particularly to attract major manufacturers such as Audi. The Lola Yamaha ABT driver has been vocal about his views, stating that consistency has been lacking in technological development across motorsport. The 41-year-old Formula E veteran has also had a stint in F1 and currently competes in the World Endurance Championship.

Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi weighs in on new F1 rules

Speaking about the new F1 rules on a podcast with Motorsport.com, Lucas di Grassi said, “I think it’s totally wrong to be arguing about these rules right now, especially given how much has been invested in building the engines. I actually spoke quite a bit about this current engine with Ricardo Penteado - yeah, ‘Big Rico’. Not extensively, but we did have a few conversations about the new rules, whether the engine was better or worse. And when Rico talks about the engine, he basically wants to dig a hole and bury himself in it, because this new engine is a step backwards.”

Discussing the use of hybrid engines in F1, he added, “It’s not an evolution of the combustion engine. So I guess it was done back then as part of a deal to bring Audi and Porsche on board. In the end, Porsche didn’t join, but Audi did, and they’ve spent hundreds of millions of euros developing the engine. I don’t think it makes any sense to talk about bringing it back now. If it were to happen again, there would need to be a clear plan. It all comes back to that point - you have to segment, discuss, and have a mid-term vision to properly advance the technology.”

“That doesn’t happen - it’s more of a random debate - but that’s normal. It happens in Formula E, in Formula 1, and to some extent in WEC too. It’s really difficult to manage, but there’s no real consistency in tech development,” he added.

Di Grassi also gave the example of hypercars, which he believes have become slower over time, “Hypercars nowadays are much slower than the cars we were talking about from 2016. These are cars with a decade of technological difference, yet they’re significantly slower. Back then, was it wrong? Yes, it was. Our annual budget was bigger than what Formula 1 has today - around 200 million or so. It simply wasn’t sustainable, which is why manufacturers eventually pulled out. Developing a Le Mans car with almost no limits was far too expensive,” he said.

Fans appeared to agree with his views in the comments section. “He got that right, huh,” wrote one fan.

Di Grassi will return to racing alongside his fellow Formula E drivers next month, with the Berlin double-header scheduled from 1-3 May.

Also read: Exclusive interview: Edoardo Mortara shines for Mahindra Racing this season, says “important to keep your feet on the ground”


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