The F1 commission approves new aero changes for 2019 to improve overtaking
New aero changes have been approved for the next season in order to improve the show on track.
The F1 Commission, the Strategy Group and the World Motorsport Council approved yesterday (the last day to approve changes for the next season without unanimity being required) several regulations changes for the 2019 season.
After the great aerodynamic revolutions we saw from 2017, the new rules will likely have a positive impact on racing and overtaking. The first presentation of these rules has been made in Baharain to the F1 teams, and sources add that most of them do not agree to the new regulations.
The changes include:
- Simplified front wing, with a larger span, and low outwash potential
- Simplified front brake duct with no winglets
- A wider and deeper rear wing
The research of new rules started after the lack of overtaking during the Australian Grand Prix; the research has been made with the support of every team too, with their own research to be submitted to the FIA in order to take a final decision.
A decision on the badgeboards package was expected too, but it didn't happen; otherwise, it has been allowed a increase in race fuel to permit drivers to race at full power for longer, plus the separation of driver weight from car weight to end the disadvantage of heavier drivers, and the requirement that drivers wear biometric gloves.
The FIA also clarified that these changes are separate from F1's regulations for 2021 and beyond.
Several Team Principals suggested that F1 had to stay like it is until 2021 and that these changes were then unneccesary; Paddy Lowe expressed the opposite opinion, saying to Motorsport.com that "F1 should act decisively for the good of the show".
Ross Brawn, F1 Managing Director, used the Ricciardo - Verstappen contact from the Baku race as an example to fully explain the purpose of these new regulations on the technical side.
"Once Daniel had settled for his line, and Max had changed direction blocking that line, the Australian became a passenger. The downforce loss experienced by Ricciardo in the wake of Verstappen’s car would have made it unstoppable. We often think of downforce applying in cornering, but the impact the extra grip has in braking is huge. Take away that grip in braking and what happened on Sunday was inevitable.
"Whilst this was a very severe example, it did highlight once more the need of finding a way to develop the rules to make the cars more raceable in these conditions.
"The decision of the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission taken yesterday, sanctioned by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to approve a number of aerodynamic modifications, aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking for the 2019 season is definitely an important step.
"It’s also important to note that the decision has been taken after an intense period of research into the FIA’s proposals, which were made with the support of Formula 1 and, conducted by a majority of the teams. A good spirit, a good way of working together for a better and more spectacular Formula 1, which is what the FIA, Formula 1, the Teams, and most importantly, the fans want. Bravo."
Rumors reports that six teams were opposite to the proposal, including Ferrari, Red Bull, Renault and McLaren.