Sebastian Vettel shares 'hope' as major F1 rule changes confirmed

Sebastian Vettel has echoed criticism F1 drivers hold about the new technical regulations, and shared his "hope" that the "DNA" is not lost.

The four-time champion retired from grand prix racing at the end of the first year of ground effects in 2022, but has remained a presence in the paddock through his various initiatives. 

Earlier this week, it was confirmed by the FIA that a series of rule changes had been agreed by all parties and were ready for introduction in Miami, with the headline changes being that the overall energy level would be reduced to 7MJ from 8MJ, and that super-clipping would now be permitted up to 350kw from its current capped 250kw level.

The idea is that this would reduce the reliance on super-clipping and lift and coast and allow drivers to attack more often.

Reacting to the changes, 53-time grand prix winner Vettel hopes that they make the drivers "happier."

"From a sporting side, I hear, and I echo the criticism, because the cars are probably fun to drive, but it's probably not so much fun to race because of the regulations and the difficulties that come with that," Vettel explained at The Perfect World Foundation.

"So I sympathise with the drivers, and I'm very critical not to lose the DNA and the heart of the sport, which is about finding the fastest driver in the fastest machine to win the race. 

"I've seen [the rule changes] briefly, and I hope, from a sporting point of view, that it makes the drivers happier, because ultimately, the drivers are the face of the sport. 

"If they come out of the car and they're full of adrenaline and very excited, it's what makes people excited on the screens and in the stands as well."