Prost: F1 needs radio restrictions

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost has backed the FIA's clampdown on team radio messages, as he believes they have a negative impact on public perception of the sport.

The FIA has confirmed the plan to restrict on certain types of radio communication, amid concerns that some messages give the impression the sport is too easy for drivers. Prost, who is now an ambassador for French engine manufacturer Renault, said the negatives of broadcasting radio messages to the public outweigh the positives.

"If I have something negative to say about the modern Formula 1 it is really the radio messages," Prost said. "The messages for the public, the spectators, the people watching TV, these messages are very negative, because even if it's not completely true, people can think Formula 1 has become something too assisted, easy and controlled by somebody else than the driver. That is the worst you can have.

"It's always difficult because it's always a compromise, but if you give a negative signal in terms of image...

"I have no idea if the people like these kind of messages. I think there is more negative than positive."

F1 principals are focusing mainly on shutting down communications designed to help drivers improve their on-track performance, but Prost believes messages where racers openly criticise rivals should also be stopped.

"The other negative signal is some messages from the driver to the pits: 'He touched me, what should I do? Call Charlie [Whiting]', ask about a penalty?' – we cannot have that," Prost added. "That should be canceled.

"First of all, a driver should not say that. If he says that it is because things have changed – normally, you should not complain about that, and if they want to complain we should not know about it [on the radio]."

Any restriction on radio messages is likely to come from a strict enforcement of Article 20.1 of F1's sporting regulations, which states: "The driver must drive the car alone and unaided."

Discussions between the teams and governing body the FIA are ongoing, and a clarification is expected before the next race in Singapore on Sept. 21.