Is dirty air returning to F1 in 2024?

In the paddocks, a term has gradually made a comeback in the mouths of drivers, team principals, mechanics and engineers at the start of the season: dirty air. A phenomenon that F1 hoped to have greatly reduced thanks to the change in regulations in 2022, which notably saw the return of ground effect.

But the 2024 single-seaters, presenting ever more developed, even aggressive aerodynamics, seem to cause more dirty air than their predecessors from 2023 and 2022. The drivers, who are mainly concerned, are the first to suffer this deterioration.

According to Hülkenberg, dirty air  « is perhaps a little worse » this season

“Let the situation (dirty air, Editor’s note) stays the same, or it gets slightly worse. But I think it's completely natural, because we are all moving further and further away from the original regulations,” analyzes George Russell, who thinks that there is currently“some thoughts on this subject”. 

F1's reaction to dirty air “probably depends on the car », considers for his part Nico Hulkenberg. “Some cars handle it better than others. I think, as George says, it's definitely not getting any better. It might be a little worse, but that also depends. If you have a group of cars in front, two or three is worse than one. So there are several factors that play a role. popularizes the pilot Haas.

“However, from our side, this year is a little better than last year, shade Charles Leclerc going against the grain of his comrades. So I don't know if that's one of the features we improved on last year, which made our car very difficult to drive. But this year, it’s a little easier for us to follow. But yeah, it might not be the same for George Russell. »

Still a successful regulation

However, despite these well-founded criticisms, it is worth remembering the significant reduction in the negative effect caused by dirty air on single-seaters, compared to the previous generation of Formula 1 until 2021.

Thus, for James Vowles, team principal of Williams, " regulations (2022, Editor’s note) has not failed.” “From the data we can see right now, it's still better than the 2021 or 2020 generations of cars. But without a doubt, and especially the leading pack, have developed their cars in an extraordinary way that , as you develop support, makes them more difficult to follow. But I still think that, based on all the indicators and all the data that we can see, you are now getting closer than before, which was an intention behind (the regulatory change, Editor's note). »

At his side, Mike Krack, director ofAston Martin F1, also think “that regulation is not at all a failure”, just like Bruno Famin and Christian Horner who are also present at a press conference. And to add with a barely hidden reference to the performances of Red Bull : “I think it's allowed for various designs from the beginning, and then obviously domination that none of us want, but that's a fact. Honestly, I think the current regulations are well done and well developed, and we have had some great races behind one team. »

2025, improvement or deterioration?

If dirty air seems to have regained ground in 2024, it should continue its momentum in 2025, according to the main teams. “Will it improve in 2025? No, I do not think so. There is no reason to believe that the situation will improve next year. And in 2026, again, the rules are still being ratified as we speak, so it's difficult to assess that,” resumes James Vowles.

“I think we have one more year left, and then we will welcome the new rules. As James said, they're not 100% fixed yet, and we're looking forward to them." continues Mike Krack, before Bruno Famin and Christian Horner validate the words of their two friends.

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Kelman Marti