F1 News: Williams Chief Calls For "Review" Over Haas Saudi Arabian GP Tactics
Following the Saudi Arabian GP, Williams Team Principal James Vowles has raised concerns over Haas' race strategies, particularly those that enabled Nico Hulkenberg to secure a point. Vowles is advocating for Formula 1 to review these tactics.
Key Takeaways:
- James Vowles from Williams points out the need for scrutiny of Haas' racing strategies at the Saudi Arabian GP.
- Kevin Magnussen of Haas, despite penalties, maintained a pace that held back other drivers, aiding teammate Hulkenberg.
- Vowles remains hopeful about Williams' performance in upcoming races despite the controversy.
During the Saudi Arabian GP, a strategy by Haas has sparked considerable debate within the F1 community. Williams' James Vowles has highlighted the manoeuvres that appeared to benefit Nico Hulkenberg, securing him an important point in the championship. The controversy began during an early safety car phase triggered by Lance Stroll's crash, when Haas decided to pit Kevin Magnussen but not Hulkenberg.
Magnussen, who later received two 10-second penalties for separate incidents, intentionally kept a slower pace upon rejoining the race. This action effectively delayed the pack of drivers behind him, enabling Hulkenberg to create a sufficient gap to remain ahead after his pit stop, moving Haas up in the championship standings.
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In a post-race debrief, Vowles expressed his frustration, emphasising the need for a review of such tactics within the sport. He stated:
“I know we had a car that could score a point there, and yet we walk away without anything to our name.
“Now in part, that was because Alex’s car was damaged by Magnussen pushing him into the wall, receiving a penalty as a result of it, but then using tactics to back up the remainder of the field and create a gap so that Hulkenberg could score that additional point.
“Now those questions on whether or not those tactics are viable or not, or on sportsman like.
“Let’s review that as an organisation and a sport going forward. My opinion from it is that’s not how I want to go racing.”
Despite this incident, Vowles remains optimistic about the future, acknowledging the close competition in the midfield and the potential of the Williams car. He looks forward to the upcoming races, particularly in Melbourne and Japan, with a focus on demonstrating improved car balance and securing points.
“In terms of the car pace, yes. I expected the car to be around about where it is. You can tell that that sort of midfield fight is very, very tight.
“Across the last two races, you’ve seen a very different order between teams, and that’s just indicative of the fact that there’s a tenth between four teams. And it just depends on which team gets absolutely right on the night as to who ends up ahead.
“There are other tracks that will suit us more or less going forward. I think Melbourne will still be a positive track for us. It’ll be interesting to see how the car performs in Japan.
“There’s still questions over last year and hopefully we’ve addressed the balance sufficiently to create a better package there.
“But I think the point that we have from this is that we have to be there or thereabouts fighting for the points when the top five teams leave any available for us to take.”