Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Freddie Kraft Wishes NASCAR Copied F1’s Controversial Race Control Radio Idea

In a recent Door Bumper Clear podcast, NASCAR spotter Freddie Kraft talked about accessibility. To be precise, he talked about how difficult it is for NASCAR drivers and the teams to get in touch with race control. Over the past couple of years, Formula One has been airing team-to-FIA radio communications. Needless to say, he admires the open-wheel sport for that aspect.

Kraft said, “I want us to have the same access F1 has. We can get on the radio and just talk to control. Like ‘Hey I don’t appreciate that you just parked my a** right around saving tires’. It’s ridiculous.”

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Admittedly, F1 had been thinking about banning the team-to-FIA radio communication. This comes on the back of the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. That was when Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinched his maiden F1 title through dubious means.

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – December 12, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crosses the line to win the race and the world championship Pool via REUTERS/Kamran Jebreili TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

All of this came after Mercedes and Red Bull made repeated pleas with the race director, which opened up a whole can of worms.

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In all honesty, if the sport does decide to go down this road, there could be some consequences. During the Abu Dhabi race, it seemed as if Mercedes and Red Bull were trying to tell the stewards how to do their jobs. If NASCAR tried it, it could be risky because there are so many things that could go wrong. For example, if one team went to complain to the officials, rival teams may not appreciate the stunt.

May 29, 2022; Concord, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (18) and NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) lead a restart during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Additionally, there is a risk of front-runner teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs, Penske, and others, having more influence.

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In that respect, newer teams or back-marker teams could potentially not get their grievances aired. Finally, on a sillier note, officials may even get annoyed by teams constantly pestering them on the radio.

The post Bubba Wallace’s Spotter Freddie Kraft Wishes NASCAR Copied F1’s Controversial Race Control Radio Idea appeared first on EssentiallySports.

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