In the recent Portland Grand Prix, drivers Felix Rosenqvist and Will Power expressed their frustration with IndyCar’s traffic rules after finishing in second and third place, respectively. Despite their podium finish, both stars focused first and foremost on the impact that lapped cars had on the quality of the race.
Rosenqvist, who started the race from pole position driving his Meyer Shank Racing Honda, led for 33 laps. However, a poorly managed pit stop strategy and a smart maneuver by Alex Palou, who ultimately won, relegated him to second place.
While acknowledging Palou’s strength, Rosenqvist criticized the incidents caused by lapped vehicles: ‘Several times I lost time because of those cars. It’s not fair that the competition of drivers who work throughout the race is put at risk.’
Rosenqvist also provided insight into the need to review IndyCar’s rules: ‘These situations make us look bad and it’s a time for the series to mature. I don’t think it’s fair to lose time because of lapped vehicles.’
On the other hand, Power shared similar sentiments, highlighting that a disruption in radio communications caused him frustration during his race. He stated that the current regulations remind him of those implemented in the seventies: ‘We are at a moment where the rule needs to change, as it does not adjust to current demands.’
Power added that if IndyCar management did not take action, drivers would have to consider coming to an agreement to improve the situation. ‘What we currently have is outdated and does not reflect the modern nature of the competition.’
The outcome of the race saw Palou take advantage of pit stop strategies and traffic chaos to secure victory, while the final comments from Rosenqvist and Power reflected a sense of disillusionment regarding potential improvements: ‘Nothing will change,’ commented Rosenqvist, to which Power added, ‘the same discussion every year.’
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
