Formula E Champion Lucas di Grassi Voices Strong Criticism of New F1 Regulations
In a recent podcast appearance with Motorsport.com, former Formula 1 driver and current Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi has delivered a scathing assessment of the new Formula 1 regulations. The 41-year-old motorsport veteran, who currently competes for Lola Yamaha ABT in the World Endurance Championship while maintaining his Formula E commitments, expressed deep concerns about the direction of F1's technical framework.
A Step Backwards in Engine Development
Di Grassi was particularly critical of the new power unit regulations, stating emphatically that "this new engine is a step backwards." He revealed having discussed the current engine configuration with engineer Ricardo Penteado, noting that when Penteado analyzes the engine, "he basically wants to dig a hole and bury himself in it" due to its perceived regression in performance and technology.
The Brazilian driver argued that it's "totally wrong to be arguing about these rules right now," especially considering the massive financial investments manufacturers have made in developing these power units. He pointed specifically to Audi's involvement, noting that the German automaker has "spent hundreds of millions of euros developing the engine" as part of F1's efforts to attract major manufacturers.
Questioning the Strategic Vision Behind Rule Changes
Di Grassi suggested that the hybrid engine regulations were implemented primarily as "part of a deal to bring Audi and Porsche on board," though ultimately only Audi committed to the championship. He emphasized that any future rule changes would require "a clear plan" and "a mid-term vision to properly advance the technology" rather than what he perceives as the current approach of "random debate."
The veteran driver expanded his criticism beyond Formula 1, noting that similar issues with technological development consistency plague multiple racing series. "It happens in Formula E, in Formula 1, and to some extent in WEC too," di Grassi observed. "It's really difficult to manage, but there's no real consistency in tech development across motorsport."
Historical Context and Sustainability Concerns
To illustrate his point about technological regression, di Grassi cited the example of hypercars in endurance racing. "Hypercars nowadays are much slower than the cars we were talking about from 2016," he noted, despite representing "a decade of technological difference." He attributed this paradox to unsustainable spending in previous eras, revealing that "our annual budget was bigger than what Formula 1 has today - around 200 million or so" during certain periods.
The driver explained that such excessive expenditure "simply wasn't sustainable, which is why manufacturers eventually pulled out" from certain racing categories. He specifically mentioned that "developing a Le Mans car with almost no limits was far too expensive" for manufacturers to maintain long-term participation.
Fan Reaction and Racing Schedule
Initial reactions from motorsport fans appear to support di Grassi's perspective, with one commenter noting simply, "He got that right, huh," in response to his criticisms. Meanwhile, the driver continues his busy racing schedule, with the Berlin Formula E double-header scheduled from May 1-3 marking his next competitive appearance alongside fellow Formula E competitors.
Di Grassi's comments come at a crucial time for Formula 1 as the sport navigates complex technical regulations while attempting to balance performance, sustainability, and manufacturer participation. His unique perspective as someone who has competed in F1, currently races in Formula E and WEC, and has witnessed multiple eras of motorsport technological development gives his criticism particular weight within the racing community.
