F1 Overtaking Changes to Be Introduced in 2019

A deadline for making technical regulation changes is looming, and no consensus is in sight. Despite extensive discussions on potential aerodynamic changes, no agreement has been reached and the deadline is fast approaching.

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The lack of passing has emerged as a key topic of debate at high-level meetings, including the recent Formula 1 Strategy Group meeting. It is thought that changes to aerodynamic regulations could solve the problem, but not all parties are in agreement. A recent meeting in Paris failed to arrive at an agreed position on the subject, as there were conflicting opinions on the timing of the changes and the potential financial implications.

The lack of passing in the Australian Grand Prix was noted and prompted discussions between the FIA and Pat Symonds, the F1’s chief technical officer. In the absence of an agreement, further talks will be held at team-boss level at the Strategy Group.

A Lack of Excitement for Fans

According to Ross Brawn, the Formula 1 chief, the 2018 Australian Grand Prix suffered due to a lack of overtaking, and he was looking to rectify issue.

The sport needs to remain exciting to satisfy that thousands of motor sports enthusiasts who flock to locations such as the Ermanno Palace every year. They are looking for exciting motor racing when they purchase hospitality packages from providers such as https://edgeglobalevents.com/.

Technical Data May Be Needed

McLaren racing director Eric Boullier has made it clear that any changes should not be a “knee-jerk reaction” to one race. He advised taking time to get the changes right in order to avoid having to make further changes down the line. Making repeated changes is very expensive.

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One potential remedy is to remove ‘out-washing’ front-wing endplate elements. These control the airflow but can have a detrimental effect on a car following behind.

Andy Green, who is Force India’s technical director, has indicated that it too late to make radical changes. He refers to the proposed rapid timescale of changes as “unprecedented” and says that it is vital to take time to understand what changes need to be made. He cautioned that the proposed changes may not work and questioned the assumption that aerodynamic changes in one car will help another to overtake. He called for technical data to prove the assumption.

Gabriel Montgomery

Gabriel Montgomery

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