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Aerodynamics in Formula 1 will become much simpler next season, as the sport's chiefs have approved changes in a bid to improve overtaking. In 2017, aerodynamic regulations changed the amount of downforce the cars produced, making them much faster in the corners.
However, drivers complained about how difficult it was to follow another car due to the increase in the dirty air the cars were producing. Now however, the cars will have changes once again to the aerodynamics for the 2019 season, which are as follows;
The discussions have been completely separate from the ongoing talks surrounding engine regulations for the 2021 season. F1's managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn says that the decision to simplify aero regulations is an important step.
"The decision of the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission taken yesterday, sanctioned by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to approve a number of aerodynamic modifications, aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking for the 2019 season is definitely an important step.
"It’s also important to note that the decision has been taken after an intense period of research into the FIA’s proposals, which were made with the support of Formula 1 and, conducted by a majority of the teams. A good spirit, a good way of working together for a better and more spectacular Formula 1, which is what the FIA, Formula 1, the Teams, and most importantly, the fans want."
Fergal Walsh
Im not really sure what I think of these rule changes. I suppose they might be good, but so far only Melbourne was a bad showing so far, the rest, while maybe not overtake heavy, had high quality overtakes, and I take quality over quantity anytime. The problem is that they might overstep and make it too easy, meaning we'll get what we saw with the first gens of DRS: cars just flung past others in a very boring fashion. If they are to change it, do it with a mild hand.
I take only positives from this changes. I agree that other than Melbourne, this has been actually a pretty fantastic season so far. However, the fact that everyone agreed to make changes for next year is beyond shocking. I can only take it as a positive. It's not likely to make cars ugly, and it will make air cleaner behind? I'll take it.
I would've, but my concerns remain. As you say, it should in theory be a positive that all of the teams agreed on this, but time will tell if it actually is. But as I say, if they are to go through with this, they should do it with caution. As for the looks... Not sure if I like the thought of even bigger spoilers, but we'll see!
So how is this going to work: less downforce in front (less wing) and more downforce on the rear wheels, thus resulting in more oversteer? I need to see how that is going to help overtaking. It is not going to be cornering that is favoured I think. So as Calle states, boring passes on the straights with help of DRS. With more reliance on DRS there will be no slipstreaming necessary, no outbreaking either. So that smaller/simpler front wing can actually be ignored. DRS is equivalent to an air break that automatically engages if the car behind wants to overtake. I fail to understand what that has to do with competition in racing.
My last hope is that we have all misunderstood completely: after all wasn't Ross Brawn against DRS to begin with?
DRS is another tool in the toolbox. I dont mind having it as long as it isnt a foolproof insta-overtake for anyone having it engaged. Its sorta perfect the way we have it now: get close, and the DRS along with ERS can, with enough skill, help you overtake. Thats all the DRS and the ERS is and should be.
Not necessarily less downforce just redirecting the air inwards- higher air speed under the car should improve grip like the reverse of an airplane wing - higher air flow = lower pressure under the car = more downforce. Any case, less grip at front vs rear would be under steer? Front will drift out of the corner.
I like the way the Formula E aero is going next year. It's nice to see some real innovation in design to try to avoid the washout and the way they have gone from a rear wing to winglets on both sides at the back looks pretty cool.
I hope this succeeds in allowing cars to get closer to each other by reducing dirty air effect a decent amount, current cars may be impressively fast on their own but it is painful every year repeatedly hearing the drivers say it has got even harder to follow another car. I'd love to know why they don't increase emphasis on air flow underneath the cars if it will really make as much difference as some folks seem to think?
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calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im not really sure what I think of these rule changes. I suppose they might be good, but so far only Melbourne was a bad showing so far, the rest, while maybe not overtake heavy, had high quality overtakes, and I take quality over quantity anytime. The problem is that they might overstep and make... [Read more]