Aston Martin’s Mastermind Pins the Blame on FIA to Defend Accusations Unleashed by Sergio Perez

The FIA completely changed the grid dynamics with their new regulations introduced in 2022. These regulations, originally designed to bring the grid closer, have failed to do so, so far. Another criticism the FIA is facing is the regulations are forcing teams to produce similar-looking cars. In fact, as we all remember, Sergio Perez joked about “three Red Bulls” on the podium after Fernando Alonso secured a podium in Bahrain. That was a dig at the now successful design of the AMR23. However, Aston Martin cannot be blamed for the copycat claims.

This is exactly the point Aston Martin’s mastermind is trying to make while discussing the 2022 regulations. The former Red Bull aerodynamicist Dan Follows shared his criticism on the Beyond the Grid podcast, as quoted by F1 Maximaal,

“But we now have a set of regulations that are by far the most complicated in F1 history in terms of the length of both the sporting and technical regulations. By far the most complicated to actually enforce. I just don’t think that has been beneficial,” said Fallows. (Translated by Google)

“The reason a lot of cars look the same or very, very similar is that the regulations make you design a car like that. For example, there’s an incredibly complicated set of regulations for the front wing. So you’re essentially designing it into a very specific shape,” Fallows added.

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This is everyone is accusing Aston Martin of copying the Austrian team’s hugely successful RB18 design. Despite the criticism, the regulations are here to stay and we won’t see a change before 2026.

Especially not the change Fallows would like to see, which he also expressed in the podcast.

Dan Fallows wants more freedom for engineers so accusers like Sergio Perez can stop

Currently, the hands of the engineers are tied in the experimental department. The regulations are strict, detailed, and exhaustive on how the governing body wants the car to be in certain areas. The British engineers want to see this change and want more freedom.

Fallows expressed, “Personally, I would much rather see completely different cars with crazy shapes and new, innovative ideas. But I accept that maybe I just think that way.”

“And not just in sidepod territory,” he added, pointing out there is only limited room to experiment.

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As the 2022 regulations take shape in the next two seasons the AMR23 will surely get better. However, the British engineer wants to use the full potential of the new Aston Martin wind tunnel and use the car to express himself.

Will FIA grant this freedom to the teams anytime soon?