Must admit I have seen some great flexing of the front wing from some of the onboard cameras at last few races. I guess FIA put out a test spec and teams try and meet that spec while still being able to flex on the straights. Bit like VW making their diesels pass the mandated test, only the politicians didn't think anyone would ty and auto determine when a car was on test then use a different map!!! In my opinion VW did nothing wrong, they built cars to pass a test which was what the law required, the law never said what emissions the cars should produce on the road!!! I wonder if we should all take the car manufacturers to court because our cars don't do the fuel consumption figs that the tests can achieve???? Sorry for rant, as an engineer I admire how VW complied with rules, disappointed that governments 'changes the rules' and prosecuted the car companies rather than admit they messed up on naff rules.. There I go again ranting...... Sorry Back to F1, hopefully the new tests will not change pecking order as it's fairly close at moment. Monaco coming which will be interesting .
to be fair to VW, all of the big manufacturers are being accused of doing the same. Personally I love a bit of loop-holing.
There's talk of them using onboard cameras to monitor wing deflection, which should be a whole lot more effective a test than hanging some weights on them.
It is an interesting point, should wings flex or not? I think the rules need clarifying. i.e. are they allowed to design wings that flex to reduce drag at high speed? If so then everyone is allowed. Alternative no flexing and flex tests with the sort of loads that would be typically seen on the fastest straight of the season.
I'm never a fan of rules changing mid season, flexi wings, power modes, FRICs to name a few. Whilst these wings clearly flex they pass the test so that should be that. There's no evidence of this flexing being dangerous so I don't see the need to change mid season. I can't see it having a major effect on relative pace, it just adds more work to their now limited time.
They could use the cameras to provide better rear view for the driver at the same time, unless they are temporary attachments.
Depends on how you define 'major effect'. If you finish higher than you would otherwise, that is a major effect. That will of course depend on the drivers ability to take advantage. That takes me into the differnce between Lewis and Vallteri. Vallteri is fast over a single lap but I think Lewis is more intelligent than Vallteri, analysing more. Not just in driving although I think there is an element of obsession in Lewis.
I agree, it's almost like Lewis can drive at the speeds he does using 75% of his brain and the other 25% is analysing every turn of wheel, brake application, throttle use, tyres, other peoples strat etc..... It is almost like Merc and Lewis are operating on a completely different level to the others - Oh that sounds a bit too fan boy!!! I do think Red Bull are getting there, they have a fast car, maybe fastest, they have good pit stops (mainly), but their strat isn't quite there and doesn't do too well on quick calls to switch strat - almost like it's a committee that has to decide, takes an age and is the safe option! It also seems like Max getting close is spurring Lewis on and he is really enjoying the competition. Last few interviews I have seen with him at track he has seemed so excited. I do hope the battle continues although I would like Lewis to get his 8th Championship just so UK has driver with most
I don't think Rosberg would've been WDC if Hamilton had been at the level he was from '17 onwards. Getting beaten in 16 lit a fire under him and he became a far better driver, less rash and more calculating. I can't see him retiring until he hits 10 WDCs or starts getting regularly beaten by his team-mate on merit.
!0 is excessive, I think we would be confused between grateful for seeing what would probably be a true great (I know he already is, or is the rest of the field just rubbish? Yes a tad provocative I know) and bored with the domination. 10 would make his Dad very proud.
he'll get his 8th this season, that only leaves 2 to go, and I can't see Mercedes turning up next year without a car capable of winning, and I doubt Russell will get the better over him for a few years, he just doesn't have the mentality yet.
If it plays out that way Max is going to be really upset. I remember him saying his objective was 4 world titles by 30. He will be 24 this year which if Lewis gains another title this year means Max would have to win 4 out of the next 6, not impossible but with Le Clerc, Russell and Lewis (for some of it) Red bull will have to have a dominant car.
Not sure how I feel about this one, because it's not a rule change as such, more making sure the tests are sufficient. So if you're exploiting a loophole in the test, you can't really have a ton to complain about. But... Let's say RBR are gaining enough of an advantage from it that it's helping them complete this season and they have to fix it. It's going to be another Merc walkover, and we're all loving the potential of a proper fight... So...
In my opinion if you build a car to pass the tests then the tests shouldn't be changed for the duration of the season unless it's a safety issue. Surely the tests spec is built into the 'rules' be they technical or sporting? It's not like they have just discovered that wings can be made to flex, they know teams have been making bendy wings for years - I think Jensen said the other day that Honda were using them years ago - before Red Bull etc! Also if Red Bull are gaining an advantage by complying with tests then if that's taken away the racing might not be as close! I say leave the tests as they are. If it's that much of an advantage then Merc and the others will develop their own way of having flex but pass the test. IF they have the budget!!!! I am liking this new budget cap
I wonder what happens with regard to the budget if the FIA change the rule in the middle of a season, be a bit unfair to make them pay due to the FIA's incompetence at writing rules properly.
On a side note guys- There has been a media event at McLaren HQ that seems to have excited a lot of journalists. Whatever it was is currently embargoed but sounds like a collaboration of some sort. Rumour mill has a few things - one is a closer tie with Mercedes - be it super car or even works contract 2025- but then the flip side some ideas of Porsche group involvements, which goes alongside McLarens WEC entry rumours. Links to Andreas Seidl too of course. Keep an eye out to see what they release - probably a damp squib now
They'll have fixed the mis-matched tiles in MTC and installed a popcorn machine. All fun and games now big Ron is out of the picture
Official announcement is Sunday evening. Feel like it must be fairly big news to have justified an in-person media event with F1 journalists? They've all been teasing it on social media since. Junior team?