The most notable changes, in addition to overall car width increasing from 1.8 to 2 metres are as follows:
0:34 - Rear tyre width increase from 420 to 450mm
0:47 - Front wing width increase from 825 to 925mm
1:06 - Rear wing, top element height decrease from 945 to 800mm / bottom element height decrease from 745 to 600mm
1:18 - Rear wing endplates placed at 25 and 30 degree incline / Turning vanes placed at 30 and 45 degree incline
1:30 Longer rear diffuser
The video also suggests that the front wing could be bent at the centre rather than straight, as well as bargeboards making a possible return.
The changes are part of an effort by the F1 teams and the FIA to increase the cars’ speed in response to complaints that the current generation of cars are too slow, and to counteract prevailing thoughts that F1 isn’t representing the pinnacle of motoring performance as it should.
The target set by F1’s Strategy Group of six leading teams is for 2017’s cars to be five seconds a lap faster than their 2015 counterparts, closer to the frequent lap records F1 set in 2004. F1’s Technical Group’s simulations reportedly predict that the hypothetical future car will be up to seven seconds faster.
The new rules are yet to be fully ratified, though already smaller changes are being made, such as abolishing power-unit grid penalties and further restricting driver aids from the Belgian Grand Prix onwards. Replacing part of the race weekend format has also been discussed.
What do you think of these changes? Would you suggest anything else? Comment below!
