Formula 1 is heading towards a new stage that faces a huge challenge: getting the races to win in spectacularity and overtaking. Will the teams go back to disrupt the plans of the category?
With the introduction of the new technical regulation of 2022, the Formula 1 He hopes to put an end to chronic overtaking problems in racing, something that has been aggravated in recent years by the increase in the size of the cars and the dominance of aerodynamics.
And F1 intends to do it without giving up all this, but by completely modifying the design concept and basing the speed of the cars on the ground effect. However, many believe that teams will be able to circumvent the objectives of the regulation and will end up exceeding the levels of downforce and the expectations of the competition.
“The rules are rigid enough to try to enforce the principles quite well.”
James keyHowever, he does not believe that this will happen, as he believes that the regulations have been drawn up with great sense and care on this occasion. “It is early because there is still a lot of research to be done on the 2022 car and its operation, but certainly a lot of effort has been put in to keep the regulation true to its objective.”
‘When there were potential loopholes that could work against the ability to follow cars more closely with each other than now, were discussed and usually closed or modified in some way »said the McLaren technical director.
“At the beginning of the year I think it will be much easier to compete than with current cars. And 2023 will be a year in which some adjustments can be made to try to compensate for anything that works against those principles, “he reiterated.
Great job from F1
For the elaboration of the regulation, Ross brawn (ex Ferrari) has assembled a team of renowned engineers, including Pat symonds (ex Benetton, Renault and Williams), Nikolas Tombazis (ex Benetton, Ferrari and McLaren) and Jason sommerville (ex Toyota, Lotus and Williams), among others.
Something that, in the opinion of James Key, has resulted in a great regulation. «I think it has been a great project that Pat and the boys have done. It’s the right way to develop new rules, getting to the heart of the matter, particularly these aerodynamic-led rules. “
It’s too early to really understand the full implications of change, but I am confident that the teams’ developments will not undermine the goals of F1. I think the rules are rigid enough to try to enforce the principles quite well, “he concluded, referring to regulatory rigidity in many areas of the regulation.
“Obviously, we have the tires and other things toobut they predominantly try to shape these aerodynamic characteristics so that we can improve racing.
“What I think has been positive is the fact that there has been a lot of interaction over a long period of time and the teams have been proactive and engaged in that as well. So I think so there are limitations, but the objectives exceed what F1 has done compared to what a team would do ».