Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton have warned that new regulations introduced by the FIA will force drivers to reduce their pace during the British Grand Prix, altering the dynamic of the race at Silverstone.
Norris: 'We'll Have to Lift Off'
McLaren's Lando Norris stated that the updated technical directives, aimed at curbing aerodynamic performance, will have a noticeable effect on lap times. 'We'll have to lift off more than before,' Norris said. 'The car won't be as planted through high-speed corners, so we'll lose time.'
Hamilton: 'Strategy Will Change'
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time winner at Silverstone, echoed Norris's concerns. 'The new rules definitely slow us down,' Hamilton commented. 'It changes how we approach the race. Overtaking might be harder, and tire management becomes even more critical.'
The FIA's directive targets flexible bodywork and floor edges, reducing downforce by an estimated 5% for all cars. Teams have had to modify their setups, leading to slower cornering speeds.
Impact on the Race
The changes are expected to make the British Grand Prix a more strategic affair, with drivers focusing on tire preservation and pit-stop timing rather than all-out speed. 'It's going to be a different kind of race,' Norris added. 'Less about raw pace and more about consistency.'
Hamilton, who has won the British GP a record eight times, acknowledged that the spectacle might suffer. 'Fans want to see us flat out, but safety and fairness come first,' he said. 'We'll adapt.'
The new rules have sparked debate among teams, with some arguing they level the playing field while others claim they punish innovation. Red Bull's Christian Horner called the directive 'a necessary step for safety,' while Ferrari's Frederic Vasseur noted 'it changes the pecking order.'
Practice sessions at Silverstone have already shown reduced speeds through Copse and Maggotts-Becketts corners, with drivers reporting less grip. Qualifying and the race on Sunday will reveal the full extent of the regulation's impact.
