Brawn rejects suggestions F1's reg changes aren't needed

Ross Brawn rejected comments heard in Turkey last weekend that Formula 1's 2022 regulation overhaul isn't needed given this season's intense title battle.

The championship fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton looks set to go down to the wire this year, while unexpected wins by outsiders Alpine and McLaren have added some much need variance to the season.

Formula 1 will usher in a new era in 2022, thanks to a new regulation platform designed to tighten the field by producing closer and better racing.

But many believe there will be little change to the running order with the sport's biggest teams extending their hegemony.

Brawn dismissed any notion that revamping the rulebook was a mistake considering the intensity of this year's entertaining title fight, arguing that the ability for drivers to follow each other closely is still lacking.

"This weekend I heard some comments around whether the 2022 regulation changes are needed given we're currently enjoying such a golden season," wrote Brawn in his post-Turkish Grand Prix column for F1.com.

"I think that fails to understand the fact that, while the championship is thrilling this year, the cars still struggle to follow each other closely and create overtaking opportunities.

"While the 2022 rules won’t change the situation overnight, I think they are a much better platform to improve the racing on the track and I’m sure that once the new rules have settled down, we will see some incredible races and championships in the future, with even more wheel-to-wheel action."

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Brawn believes this year's aero changes coupled with the introduction of the sport's budget cap have contributed to setting up a tight battle between F1's two main protagonists, Red Bull and Mercedes, and their leading drivers, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

"Both championships are poised to take us through to the end of the season and provide one of the most exciting ends to the year that we’ve had in a long time. F1 is blessed," he said.

"Why are we having such a great season? When I ran teams, there was no silver bullet. It was a case of chipping away at everything to make incremental improvements. I believe it’s the same with the sport.

"There is no doubt in my mind that the cost cap and the rules changes that were implemented are having a positive impact on the closeness and intensity of the championship.

"There is no capacity for a team to pour massive resource into a championship and try and run away with it.

"The resources are now limited and the teams are also focused on next year’s car, which is requiring a lot of time and resource. And this is all contributing to a close championship."

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