F1 to see sponsor-friendly bodywork in 2019
- Published on 21 Jan 2018 13:18
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Formula 1 teams have agreed to alter the bodywork of the cars in 2019 to allow better space for sponsorship logos. The matter was discussed at last week's Strategy Group, with ideas broadcast by five teams, two of which were agreed upon.
For the 2019 season, bargeboards will now have to be lower which will allow for a better view of the area covering the drivers' legs. That particular area is viewed as a prime spot for companies and brands to stick their logos.
A flat space at the top of rear wing endplates will be implemented, with no louvres impacting logo placement. Both aforementioned changes have already been discussed by the Technical Working Group, as it was necessary to analyse the performance consequences.
There was also a discussion on simplifying front wings with fewer elements to allow space for more sponsors, but it was deemed that the aerodynamic impact would simply be too large. For the 2018 season, shark fins have been banned, as McLaren (among others) noted it clouded the view of logos on the rear wing.
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Replies (8)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
So we'll see big placards with ads on the cars from now on? No side pods, just big boards with ads?
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Not so sure what I think about this. Well, actually, ideally this should be up to the teams. Would they sacrifice performance for money, by making the car more sponsor friendly, or vice versa they should be able to. Generally speaking I wish teams would have far less restrictions in terms of the design of the cars
f1dave
Posts: 782
Moving closer to NASCAR every day.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
Check out images of uk stock car racing. Plenty of ad space on the roof wing. Could be a ‘bolt on’ on top of the halo.
SPERX
Posts: 21
And so it continues. The march toward common component, high speed advertising hoardings is quickening. I am just glad I lived through the era of F1 being about the best engineers building cars for the best drivers to race.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
so true.
we can fondly remember ground effect and sliding skirts, the first turbo cars and all the various genius inovations that won championships.
I'm seriously thinking of letting it go after following it since 1979.
the fact that it is no longer broadcast in Australia will make that decision a bit easier
Karl
Posts: 10
I fear for the future of motor racing all together. From political correctness via obsession for safety and manufacturers who only want to participate if they can dictate the rules, what was once serious competition and invitation for innovation becomes pure show and entertainment. Maybe not bad but targeting a different public than us grew up in the eighties.
Hepp
Posts: 200
Not enough billboards surrounding the tracks.... "We NEED" 300kph billboards too. Never-mind the drivers nor the machines.