Ex-Formula 1 managing director Ross Brawn asserts that the new technical regulations that were introduced last year were a success.
The Briton added that critics of the new rules have been left “eating humble pie”.
A major reset was undertaken ahead of the 2022 campaign as all teams had to construct cars under a fresh set of regulations.
Focus was on improving how cars could follow each other through corners and boosting the on-track spectacle, as increased dirty air across the last several years saw many drivers complain about a lack of raceability with modern cars.
But speaking to Motorsport Magazine, Brawn, who stepped down from his role at the end of the 2022 season, said: “Definitely the rules have worked.
“I think even the sceptics in the F1 teams – and I won’t tell you who they were – have eaten humble pie and acknowledged the data shows the cars could race and are much less impacted by following another car.
“And I don’t think there’s a team in the pit lane who would deny that.
“There’s a question of degree, but I think it’s pretty significant. I think the anecdotal evidence we see is significant.”
It was Red Bull who capitalised best on the new regulations, as it dominated the 2022 campaign. The Milton Keynes-based squad secured 17 wins from 22 last year.
But the F1 teams themselves weren’t the only organisations that had to adapt to a new situation.
Pirelli introduced new 18-inch tyres after running 13-inch rims for many years, with the new design going hand-in-hand with the chassis changes.
Issuing praise to Pirelli, Brawn added: “We must give Pirelli credit as well because they’ve made a step forward with tyres.”