Mercedes driver George Russell has accused Ferrari of being “egocentric” and “foolish” in blocking change to the foundations to enhance security at begins.
Final week’s opening race in Australia noticed a big deviation in begin efficiency throughout the grid. The worst incident concerned a near-miss when Alpine driver Franco Colapinto narrowly averted smashing at excessive velocity into the again of the slow-moving Racing Bull of Liam Lawson.
Russell mentioned governing physique the FIA had regarded to switch the rule that led to these issues however mentioned Ferrari had been blocking it, with out naming them.
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc leapt into the lead in the beginning in Melbourne from fourth on the grid, emphasising the impression that the Italian crew have the perfect begins this yr.
Russell mentioned the issues had been attributable to a “very quirky rule” that limits the quantity of vitality a automotive can harvest on the formation lap.
He mentioned that the drivers within the entrance a part of the grid had been already thought-about by the methods to be on the lap so their observe begin away from the dummy grid counted within the harvest restrict, and so they then struggled to recharged the battery.
In contrast, these additional again may do their launches earlier than crossing the timing line, so may recuperate extra vitality earlier than the precise begin.
Ferrari benefited as a result of their engine has a unique design than these of different producers and is less complicated to get off the road.
Russell mentioned: “The FIA was seeking to probably alter that however as you’ll be able to think about some groups who had been making good begins did not need it, which I believe is just a bit bit foolish.
“The FIA did simply need to make our life simpler and simply take away this harvest restrict, however individuals have egocentric views and so they need to do what’s finest for themselves.”
The FIA has the ability to impose a change on security grounds however has thus far stopped in need of doing so within the hope of attaining consensus.
Ferrari have been approached for remark.
