Hamilton calls for F1 development cutoff, Verstappen fires back
Lewis Hamilton proposes an August 1 development start date for the upcoming F1 season to prevent early advantage. Red Bull's Max Verstappen dismisses these complaints, noting the historical context of dominance in the sport.
Lewis Hamilton's recent proposal for an August 1 cut-off point for teams to commence development on their challenger for the upcoming season has received a dismissive response from Red Bull's star driver, Max Verstappen.
Hamilton's proposal: A level playing field
Hamilton voiced his concern over the current F1 system, which allows teams to allocate their budget across different seasons, leading to dominant teams like Red Bull gaining an upper hand by shifting their focus early.
The seven-time World Champion suggested the introduction of a cut-off date to prevent teams from getting an advantage in the upcoming season.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Hamilton said, "So August 1, that’s when everybody can start, so that no one can get an advantage from the next year. Because that sucks."
Lewis Hamilton believes the FIA should select a date from which teams are allowed to start on next season’s car development to prevent some getting a head start. 👀 pic.twitter.com/oGADZTLqw3
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 29, 2023
Verstappen shrugs Off Hamilton's concerns
Verstappen, who currently holds an impressive lead of 154 points over Hamilton’s Mercedes team in the Constructors’ Championship, laughed off Hamilton’s complaints.
The Dutchman reminded Hamilton of his own dominant spell with Mercedes, claiming Hamilton had changed his tune.
"We weren’t talking about that when he was winning his Championships, right? So I don’t think we should now," Verstappen retorted.
"We weren't talking about that when he was winning his championships...so I don't think we should now"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 29, 2023
Max Verstappen responds to Lewis Hamilton's comments about a specific car development start date. pic.twitter.com/dLqxGhbzpA
The Red Bull driver emphasized that looking ahead to the next year is a normal part of the sport, and that it was understandable for those trailing behind to make such complaints.
Historical dominance
Hamilton asserts that his proposal isn't a Red Bull-specific concern, but a means to prevent continued dominance in the sport by any team.
Drawing from his own experience with Mercedes and referring to previous dominance by Ferrari and Red Bull during Sebastian Vettel's reign, Hamilton believes it's crucial for the FIA to introduce controls.
"When Ferrari were ahead, that’s the same thing happened there, when Red Bull were ahead with Seb back in the day, they could start earlier and so they were always ahead," said Hamilton.
The Brit believes that changes need to be implemented to disrupt the cycle of prolonged dominance in F1.
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