Toto Wolff has praised Formula 1 for having achieved its intended goal with the 2022 regulation changes, which were conceived in a bid to improve the ability of drivers to race each other wheel-to-wheel and follow more closely for longer periods of time. The first two races of the new era of the sport have produced two tremendous battles for the race victory, as well as some exciting action throughout the pack – even if the overall field spread appears to have increased since the 2021 season. With Mercedes slipping back into the upper midfield from their lofty position as Constructors' World Champions for eight consecutive years, Wolff says the change hasn't been hugely enjoyable for his team, but he is nonetheless pleased to see the regulations have their intended effect.
Wolff: F1 has achieved its target with the new rules
"I think yes, they have achieved what they wanted to achieve," Wolff told media, including RacingNews365.com , when asked about the new regulations and their effect. "[There has been] spectacular racing, good overtaking, [and] the grid has been shaken up! Well, this is less funny for us, but it happened. "The midfield is extremely close so, overall, I think from the entertainment factor, I'm happy about the hype that is around Formula 1. "I think they achieved the target and you can only applaud how that all came in."
Wolff welcomes DRS "cat and mouse" games
With the aerodynamic regulations changing drastically for 2022, the effects of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) are more powerful than ever. This has led to unusual tactics between drivers - and allowing others to pass - in order to ensure they have DRS for the next straight. In Saudi Arabia, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc hit the brakes simultaneously into the final corner on one lap of their battle, as both attempted to secure use of the overtaking aid for the next zone. The so-called "cat and mouse" DRS games may be a new facet of F1 under the new rules, but Wolff said he's not opposed to it as a side effect. "I like it, personally," he commented, when asked for his take on the situation. "I think the cars delivered on what F1 hoped for. Great overtaking and [the] DRS is powerful, but it provides a great show now. I think that was entertaining to watch!"
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