F1 legend Martin Brundle has demanded a rule change ahead of the next Grand Prix in Miami.
The automation of the power units in the new 2026 regulations has raised huge safety concerns for the drivers — highlighted by Ollie Bearman’s high-speed crash in Suzuka.
Reigning world champion Lando Norris also shone a light on the issue by claiming he did not want to overtake Lewis Hamilton but that he ‘can’t control’ his car.
Former F1 driver and pundit Brundle, 66, believes the matter must be addressed prior to the Miami GP in May.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 Show, he said: “It’s very simple and far-reaching. The driver must drive the car alone and unaided. The driver shouldn’t have any surprises by a self-learning car.
“They’ve got to get rid of that.
“I’m sure it’s not the work of the moment, but the power delivery must be proportional to what the driver is doing with the throttle. That’s a fundamental. It has to be linear, as I said.”
Brundle then explained how the issue extends beyond the drivers to everyone involved in the sport.
However, he was also quick to stress there is no simple resolution to the problem due to the quality of the electrical power.
“It’s a big issue for the FIA because its driver safety is sacrosanct,” he added. “I think they’re fourth in line in terms of priorities.
“The top priority is the fans because they’re paying to be there. They haven’t bought into any element of risk, and they have to be protected.
“Next up are the marshals, the corner workers, because they’re not being paid to be there, but they assume an element of risk because they’re trackside.
“Next up, for me, are the pitstop crew in terms of priorities. And finally, the drivers. The cars are pretty safe. Everybody’s health and safety is sacrosanct, but the FIA will now have to make a change for Miami because the drivers have voiced this. It’s very much out there.
“I would be pretty certain they’ve put that in writing through the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association as well. So, if a car flies into the crowd now and they haven’t done something, shown some due diligence on this, then the FIA will be in for the high jump.
“So, they will now have to do something and listen to the drivers. But we’re hamstrung. We’ve got a motor that turns out three times its electrical power compared to last year, and the battery depletes in any given decent straight.
“We’re between a rock and a hard place really on this because the hardware is just not up to it. And we’ve talked about this for three years now. We knew it was going to be like this.
“This is fundamentally flawed, but I think they should be able to smooth some of these elements out.”
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Grands Prix were due to take place in April but were cancelled due to security concerns regarding the regional conflict.
It means the drivers have a five-week break before Miami, and then another three weeks until the Canadian Grand Prix.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli leads the Drivers’ Championship by nine points from teammate George Russell.
