OMNISPORT

Sebastian Vettel has accused the FIA of only consulting with drivers over decision making in Formula One as a box-ticking exercise.

Ferrari driver Vettel was critical of new measures for the 2019 season that are being brought in to try and boost overtaking opportunities. The four-time world champion labelled the changes a "bit comical" when addressing the issue at the Spanish Grand Prix and has now called for drivers to be given more input in the consultation process.

"In a way it's good that we're not making the rules because it's not our job, we might not have enough of an idea," Vettel was quoted as saying by racefans.net. "But on the other hand we're driving the cars, if you want to talk about what the cars need I think it would be an interesting source to just ask us.

"We haven't really been asked. If we have then it was more to tick that box. 'Asked' and 'listened' I think is two different things."

The new regulations are reportedly set to slow F1 cars by around 1.5 seconds, a move which Vettel does not believe would have been backed by the drivers.

"I think it's normal that everyone's looking for their own interest. But those decisions, I think no driver appreciates the fact that the cars are getting slower," he added. "Slowed down by one-and-a-half seconds -- does that really help? I think there are some changes you can do to the aero without making the cars slower, that would probably help overtaking."