F1: Villeneuve says drivers should shut up

Formula 1 drivers should "shut up" and not interfere with the rule-making because it is not their job, says 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.

In a letter recently released through the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, the drivers collectively asked for F1's governance structure to change. The drivers also criticized the elimination qualifying format that was abandoned in favor of a return to the 2006-'15 system after a week of politicking.

Villeneuve, however, says drivers should be focusing on their job and must compete with whatever rules are determined by F1's bosses.

"The way the drivers have been complaining is terrible for F1," he told Autosport. "It's not their problem. They should just shut up. It's not their problem how good or bad the show is on TV. They should just get on with their job.

"In a classroom, how many of your classmates would be able to make educated decisions? Not many. Take a group of 20 drivers. Take maybe two of them and the rest should just shut up. So why would you want to give them power?"

Villeneuve believes F1 must stop changing its rules in the pursuit of improving the show, noting that – like all sports – it cannot always be exciting.

"They should stop changing the rules," he said. "In all the noble sports like tennis and football, the rules haven't changed in 100 years, even when it is boring, and people respect it."

Although F1 has reverted to its previous format – which Villeneuve described as "OK" for now – it still plans to assess alternatives for 2017. The Canadian believes it is important not to overcomplicate and to accept that entertainment levels will wary.

"One lap on its own [in qualifying] was great," said Villeneuve. "We just need something old school. Just something normal.

"Some days you'll have great qualifying sessions and somedays boring qualifying, but that's the way it goes."

Originally on Autosport.com