Separate drivers’ and teams’ briefings could be combined into joint meeting from the 2019 F1 season, FIA race director Charlie Whiting has indicated.
In response to a question from RaceFans about suggestions the existing drivers’ and team managers’ meetings could be combined into one, Whiting explained why he proposed the change.
“The main reason that I have suggested this is simply that we discuss things in the team managers’ meeting on the basis that they will pass them onto their drivers,” said Whiting.“And when we get to the drivers’ meeting, it’s quite evident that sometimes this hasn’t happened so we have to go through it all again.”
Whiting also pointed out drivers have other ways of giving him the feedback he receives from them in their meetings.
“One of the main reasons for having the drivers’ briefing on Friday after the first day of running is so that they could tell us what they have seen someone doing, [like] is a marshal doing [something] on the track.
“But it really isn’t of any value, because whenever they see anything, they tell us anyway [on the radios]. There’s a far better communication system now.
“I just think it would make a lot of sense and save everyone a lot of hassle, really.”
However Whiting says any change is unlikely to come into force before next year.
“It’s a suggestion only at the moment,” he said. “It certainly won’t happen this year, unless everyone wants it to happen.
“Not unless they all come to me and say ‘we’d like to do this’ which I think is doubtful.”
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Jere (@jerejj)
30th May 2018, 11:02
Not that I’d care too much either way, but once again, an attempt to try to fix something that isn’t really broken. ”If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
Ben Needham (@ben-n)
30th May 2018, 12:25
Whiting implies that the suggestion has been made specifically because it is “broke”. Teams not passing on information is meaning the same conversation is had twice, which is a waste of time for all involved.
As you say, it doesn’t affect us, so no bones either way!
Neil (@neilosjames)
30th May 2018, 15:59
Creative way of saying, “I’d quite like an extra tea break.”
Garns (@)
31st May 2018, 14:31
Not sure about that- those guys are behind the scenes but do very long hours, do a job few appreciate, and most are critical of and their decisions can be crucial. Why waste his time? Talk to them all at once.
petebaldwin (@)
31st May 2018, 18:11
But then he says it won’t happen next year because everyone won’t agree….. Some of the drivers like hassle then???
I appears that by saying “everyone”, he actually means “himself.”
Peter
30th May 2018, 22:03
Prevents the opportunity for drivers to blow a safety whistle on the teams.
Bad move.
Garns (@)
31st May 2018, 14:33
No these are televised now so won’t happen. Probably never did either- good way to find yourself out of work lol