Sebastian Vettel wants to see "more transparency" from Formula 1 in the future.
The German made that statement in a press conference ahead of this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It will be the final race of his F1 career before retirement, so naturally he has been the most popular man in the paddock – including among reporters.
One of the questions asked of Vettel was about what suggestions he would have to improve the sport. Never shy of calling upon those in power to make positive change, he made it clear he thinks F1 can make improvements in its accountability.
"I think in general, more transparency," said the 35-year-old. "Because I think the world is opening up, F1 should follow, should lead, so more transparency. More credibility, as I think with all the claims and all the things that we're saying we're doing and wanting to do in the future, I think we need to prove that we are actually doing them, as a sport.
"And then, from a car point of view, I would make the cars a lot lighter. I think it brings a lot of joy. By definition, if the cars are lighter we'll have less problems with tyres. It will be more physical, more exhausting, I think it would be more exciting for driving the cars."
Nicholas Latifi was also on the same panel of racers, and will be leaving F1 after this race weekend as well after Williams chose not to extend his contract after three years with the team. In response to the same question, he said he feels more can be done to increase competitiveness across the grid.
"I guess someone in the position I've been in the past years, let's say, [would want] probably less differences between the cars," said the Canadian. "But I mean, that's obviously part of Formula 1 and having that, let's say, scope for technical creativity and whatnot.
"I mean, it's obviously the direction the sport is trying to go in, to kind of close the field together. But yeah, obviously being in the position where we, as a team, have been fighting for the positions towards the back, and for sure, I would have loved to experience being able to be in more of a fight.
"And I think that goes without saying for podiums and wins, but you know, even just points more often. That's probably what I would say."
