Mercedes technical director James Allison insisted Red Bull’s advantage did not mean F1’s current regulations were a failure, but he saw clear flaws in the rules.
New regulations have been introduced for F1 in 2022, with the aim of causing a return to ground-effect aerodynamics and packing the grid with cars that are easier to follow and more limited in terms of innovation.
James Allison tells teams to catch Red Bull
Additional reporting by Thomas Maher
And this F1 era has truly belonged to Red Bull, who have won every constructors’ and drivers’ title on offer and won 21 of the 22 Grands Prix in 2023, winning 19 of them. It was won by Max Verstappen, who is currently aiming for his fourth world title. Championships in quick succession.
Alisson was then asked by media such as PlanetF1.com whether Red Bull’s dominance meant these rules were a failure. In that sense, he said the governing body, the FIA, could not be held responsible, but he did scrutinize the rules and identified areas in the regulations that were “not in our interest”.
“I don’t necessarily think they failed in these conditions, because our job is to try to compete well,” Allison said.
“I think some of the regulations are not in our interest.
“I don’t think it’s wise to use a car that hugs the ground the way these cars are targeted, ignoring the tires and the whole idea of controlling the wake, I think the idea that you can have a good race by controlling the flow is kind of a “leaning towards a windmill” challenge, but I think that aspect of it has obviously been tested to the point of destruction.
“But I think Red Bull is doing a good job and the rest of us have an obligation to do a better job. I don’t think it’s the regulator’s fault.”
The next regulation reset is due to take place in 2026, when new chassis and power unit rules will be introduced, with Allison calling for rear height-responsive floors to become a thing of the past for now.
Asked if his concerns put a question mark on the 2026 rules, Allison said: It’s good for the car, but it’s not something we should carry over until 2026.”
As for whether his views are widely accepted in F1 circles, Alisson clarified: I think the FIA still has the mindset of putting weight management first and sacrificing other things.
“And I think a more balanced approach to that would be helpful.”
Recommended by PlanetF1.com
Ranked: All Mercedes cars since the Silver Arrows returned to F1
F1 2026: Teams and power unit suppliers confirmed for F1’s major regulation changes
Mercedes has scrapped the development of its 2024 F1 car, the W15, and this is the first work designed under Alisson since he returned as technical director.
However, Red Bull restarted at the start of the new season as Verstappen led the team to a comfortable one-two finish in Bahrain.
However, Alisson had no idea that Red Bull would be out of reach until 2026.
“Oh, come on. It’s a 24-race season,” he emphasized. “We’re going to take this forward to ensure we’re competitive this season.
“Next year and the year after that are still a long way off, so please don’t be so pessimistic.” [laughs]”
Mercedes will enter the final year of the current regulations with a new driver combination, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton wearing Ferrari red in 2025.
Read next: Adrian Newey at Ferrari?Lewis Hamilton predicts sensational 2025 steal amid Red Bull turmoil