Just-in-time single-seaters

F1 has regained its aesthetics and performance... of F1. Enough to reshuffle the cards while bringing back a disaffected public? Time will tell. And to appreciate the inspiration of aerodynamic engineers? That's already a certainty.

Published on 07/03/2017 à 09:13

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His interest in the public and on television had lost its color. Overtaking due to tire changes and strategy rather than fighting on the track, single-seater driving does not pose any great difficulties - hence the explosion of a few gifted young people with no experience -, races managed by consumption of fuel more than by the competitive instinct…

The decision-makers, aware of the growing lack of interest in their product, struck a major blow. Resized tires, widened single-seaters, aerodynamic downforce and increased weight. A technical change as strong as that experienced between 1982 and 1983, passing from F1 ground effect with flat floor. All this to offer the cars a much better ground base, and therefore improved cornering performance. Without forgetting engines with now free and permanent development.

If, for all these reasons, the FIA has agreed to 5 kg of fuel per race, the question to ask is whether these measures will have the desired impact. Are we going to witness the end of hegemony Mercedes ? At the resurrection of Ferrari ? Upon returning from McLaren and its partner Honda? Renault can it complete the stages of its reconstruction? Will Force India, exemplary representative of “League 2”, move to Ligue 1 with the sole strength of its wrists? Here are the answers we are waiting for at the dawn of this new season…

Discover the complete file on the technical issues of the 2017 season in the AUTO F1 2017 Guidehebdo, still available in digital version on all platforms and on kiosks.