Magnussen’s Take: More Horsepower, Not Less Downforce

“Those drivers that want to have less downforce, it’s because they can’t drive these fast cars. They want to go back to what they were good at, but that’s their own thing – nobody wants slower cars. I think we could have more horsepower because we’ve got so much grip it’s unbelievable. But driving these cars is just phenomenal; there’s nothing better in the world. Nothing – there’s one thing that comes close – but it’s absolutely fantastic driving these cars, especially when you’ve got low fuel and new tyres, it’s just incredible. And if we could have that, with more horsepower and the ability to follow a bit better then I think it would be great.”

Quotes: Dieter Rencken

Kevin Magnussen’s impassioned remarks resonate deeply within the ongoing discussions about Formula 1’s technical regulations. His blunt assertion challenges a segment of the driver community and potentially some F1 policymakers who have considered reducing aerodynamic downforce to make cars more challenging to drive or to improve racing. Magnussen dismisses this outright, viewing it as a regression and a compromise on the fundamental speed and excitement that define F1. He implies that the desire for less downforce is less about improving racing and more about individual drivers seeking a competitive edge in a different car philosophy, perhaps one that suits their specific driving style better from a previous era.

For Magnussen, the current generation of F1 cars, despite their complexity, offers an unparalleled driving experience. He describes piloting these machines as “phenomenal” and “absolutely fantastic,” particularly when the conditions are perfect: minimal fuel load and fresh, grippy tyres. This specific scenario allows drivers to extract maximum performance, feeling the incredible G-forces and the raw power in a way that he believes is unmatched by any other experience. His perspective underscores the visceral connection drivers have with these high-tech beasts and their desire to push the boundaries of performance, not pull them back.

The core of Magnussen’s argument lies in his call for more horsepower. He contends that the sheer amount of mechanical and aerodynamic grip available in contemporary F1 cars means they are inherently stable and capable of handling significantly more engine power. This would not only enhance the driving challenge but also elevate the spectacle for fans, delivering even more breathtaking acceleration and speed. His vision for the sport’s future isn’t just about raw power; it also includes a crucial element of improved raceability. He proposes that if F1 could combine greater horsepower with design changes that allow cars to follow each other more closely – a persistent challenge in the aero-sensitive modern era – it would create a truly ideal racing formula. This balance between ultimate performance and close, wheel-to-wheel action represents a holy grail for many within Formula 1, aiming to satisfy both purists and those who crave high-octane entertainment.

Latest Motorsport Buzz: Social Media Highlights

Stay connected with the pulse of motorsport through these impactful social media updates, showcasing pivotal moments, technical innovations, and the vibrant culture surrounding racing worldwide.

A significant visual and technical shift is on the horizon for Formula 2, as highlighted by this Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/By1031zI2Wo/?igshid=x23x8d2y92nt

This post from the official Formula 2 account gives a sneak peek at the new 18-inch tyres that will be introduced into the series. This adoption aligns F2 cars more closely with their Formula 1 counterparts, both aesthetically and in terms of handling characteristics, providing invaluable experience for future F1 talent.

18-inch tyres arrive in #Formula2! 👀

After a shakedown at Mugello, it’s the first proper test in Spain this week. These tyres will be raced in #F2 next year. It’s the F2 car of tomorrow… today!#Fit4F2 @pirellisport pic.twitter.com/XTjGbhaXVk

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) June 18, 2019

The official F2 Twitter account announced the arrival of 18-inch tyres in the series, following a successful shakedown at Mugello and subsequent testing in Spain. These larger wheels represent a substantial change, not just for the drivers who will have to adapt their style, but also for the engineers in optimizing car setup. This is a critical evolutionary step for the feeder series, directly mirroring the changes anticipated for Formula 1 itself, ensuring that the “Road to F1” remains relevant and challenging.

Back to back 🍩 orders! #AustrianGP #Fit4F1 🇦🇹https://t.co/75qsCW1ApR pic.twitter.com/TPOKC0JQKM

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) June 18, 2019

Pirelli Motorsport joined the pre-race excitement for the Austrian Grand Prix with a lighthearted “donut” themed post. This type of social media engagement helps build anticipation for race weekends, connecting with fans through iconic motorsport imagery and showcasing the fun side of the sport. It effectively reminds followers of the thrilling action to come at the Red Bull Ring.

🏁 It’s RACE WEEK!

Our FIA F3 drivers will be mastering Le Castellet at the #FrenchGP this weekend 👊#F3 #RoadToF1 pic.twitter.com/d4UoC0JQKM

— Formula 3 (@Formula3) June 17, 2019

The official Formula 3 account announced “RACE WEEK” for the French Grand Prix, confirming that FIA F3 drivers would be competing at Le Castellet. As a crucial rung on the “Road to F1,” the F3 championship consistently delivers intense, multi-car battles. This race weekend provides an essential platform for young talents to showcase their skills on a challenging Grand Prix circuit, further solidifying their claim to future opportunities in higher categories.

what the hell happened in Le Mans 2015? BMW weren’t even there.

TIME TRAVEL, ladies and gentlemen pic.twitter.com/gR17gVLRTL

— Chain Bear (@chainbear) June 16, 2019

Motorsport personality Chain Bear amused his followers with a witty observation regarding an apparent historical inaccuracy related to Le Mans 2015, jokingly pointing out a “time travel” anomaly involving BMW’s non-existent participation that year. Such posts not only entertain but also encourage engagement, as fans often jump in to dissect the humorous discrepancies or offer their own playful theories, adding a lighter dimension to serious motorsport discussions.

Special helmet for a special race 🇫🇷 Thanks Eric @AmatoDesign_ for the design, I love it! @GPFranceF1 I’m ready for you 😉@BellRacingHQ pic.twitter.com/kFW7d6C8ND

— Anthoine Hubert (@AnthoineH) June 18, 2019

Young racing talent Anthoine Hubert proudly unveiled his special helmet design for his home race, the French Grand Prix. Created by Amato Design, the bespoke livery signifies the importance of competing on home soil. Custom helmet designs are a beloved tradition in motorsport, offering drivers a unique way to express their national identity, personal interests, or dedicate a race to a cause, making these reveals highly popular among fans who follow their favourite drivers’ journeys.

• Find more official F1 accounts to follow in the F1 Twitter Directory

Beyond the Track: Essential Motorsport Reads

Delve deeper into the world of motor racing with our hand-picked selection of articles covering strategic insights, groundbreaking technologies, historical narratives, and the journeys of emerging stars from across various series.

France ‘not favourable’ for Ferrari (BBC F1)

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto openly admitted that the Paul Ricard circuit, host of the French Grand Prix, is “not particularly favourable” for their current car package. This preemptive statement from the Maranello boss indicates that the team anticipates a challenging weekend, drawing parallels to their struggles at the venue in the previous year. It highlights the specific aerodynamic characteristics of the SF90, which may struggle on Paul Ricard’s unique layout featuring both long straights and a variety of high-speed corners that demand excellent balance and downforce efficiency.

NASCAR Takes Away a Victory for the First Time in Decades (Jalopnik)

In a rare and highly impactful decision, NASCAR stripped Ross Chastain of his dominant Truck Series victory at Iowa Speedway, disqualifying his No. 44 team for failing post-race technical inspection. This marks the first instance in decades that a victory in a top-tier NASCAR event has been overturned due to a technical infringement. The move sends a powerful message about the rigorous enforcement of regulations and the importance of fair competition, demonstrating that even a commanding performance cannot override compliance with the sport’s strict rulebook.

Tech Tuesday: Why Paul Ricard provides the ultimate test for an F1 car (F1.com)

Formula1.com’s “Tech Tuesday” series explored why the Paul Ricard circuit presents a comprehensive challenge for modern F1 cars. The article highlights the circuit’s unique combination of high-speed sections like the Mistral Straight and heavy braking zones. For example, at Turn 8’s chicane, cars shed an astonishing 140 km/h (87 mph) from 332 km/h (206 mph) down to 192 km/h (119 mph) in just 1.51 seconds. This intense braking demand, as per Brembo data, showcases Paul Ricard’s role as a true test of a car’s entire performance envelope, from engine power and aerodynamics to suspension and brake endurance.

Sabré Cook: Under The Visor (W Series)

W Series driver Sabré Cook offered a personal glimpse into her journey in motorsport through the “Under The Visor” feature. She candidly shared anecdotes from her formative years in karting, including her strong dislike for a particular sticker on her kart that read, “You’ve just been passed by a girl.” This detail powerfully illustrates her competitive drive and her desire to be recognized purely for her skill and speed, rather than her gender, reflecting the broader mission of the W Series to promote female talent on merit.

Toyota is already testing its Hypercar prototype (Jalopnik)

Exciting developments in endurance racing reveal that Toyota has begun testing its highly anticipated Le Mans Hypercar prototype at Fuji Speedway. Jalopnik presented a brief but tantalizing teaser video of the camouflaged car in action, with the notable highlight that Toyota’s CEO and President, Akio Toyoda, himself took the wheel for a portion of the prototype’s shakedown. This early and high-profile testing underscores Toyota’s serious commitment to the new Hypercar class, signaling their intent to continue their dominance in the World Endurance Championship.

Nissan e.Dams’ Buemi set for home race in Switzerland (NISMO)

Nissan e.dams driver Sebastien Buemi expressed his readiness for his home Formula E race in Switzerland, an event highly anticipated by local fans. Team Principal Jean-Paul Driot emphasized the critical role of simulator preparation for navigating new, challenging street circuits like Bern. He highlighted the circuit’s significant elevation changes as a key factor that will make energy management exceptionally crucial. This insight showcases the unique strategic demands and precision required in Formula E, where optimizing battery usage is as important as raw pace.

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Fan Voice: Comment of the Day

Today, we shine a spotlight on an insightful contribution from reader Robbie, who offered a balanced perspective on Pierre Gasly’s challenging performance with Red Bull Racing, especially leading up to the French driver’s home Grand Prix:

“Personally I’m not that surprised at Gasly’s performance as even mighty Max hasn’t been as strong at some tracks like Monaco as last year. They have admitted they’re lacking something, and certainly have not complained about the PU. Max is a fantastic anomaly and was always going to be tough to match. I think they know that he is not only exceptional, he is also the more engrained veteran in the team. Without being a fly on the wall to know what exactly is being said internally, I would like to think RBR is taking some blame for not having quite the car as last year (perhaps much to do with this year’s tires) and are being patient with newbie Gasly. So much this year depends on being able to get the tires to work, which imho should never have to be the first and foremost goal. They should just work so these boys can go racing.”

Robbie’s commentary thoughtfully dissects the complexities behind Gasly’s struggles, moving beyond simple driver blame. He points out that even his highly acclaimed teammate, Max Verstappen, faced difficulties at certain venues, suggesting that Red Bull’s 2019 car might not have been as universally strong as its predecessor. The perennial issue of tyre management, often cited by drivers as overly complicated and influential on performance, is also a central theme in Robbie’s analysis. His sentiment echoes a common fan desire for tyres that allow drivers to focus on pure racing skill, rather than becoming the primary determinant of race outcomes. This perspective highlights the intricate interplay between driver talent, car development, and regulatory factors that shape a Formula 1 season.

Happy Birthday to Our Motorsport Enthusiasts!

A very special happy birthday goes out today to Titch, Jin, and Jack_Hider! We hope you have a fantastic day celebrating, filled with all the excitement and passion of motorsport.

If you’d like a birthday shout-out in our next round-up, please let us know your special day via the contact form or by adding your name to our growing birthday list here. We love celebrating with our community!

On This Day in F1 History

• 15 years ago today: The legendary Brazilian driver Rubens Barrichello showcased his formidable talent by securing pole position at the illustrious Indianapolis Motor Speedway while driving for Ferrari. This memorable achievement underscored both Barrichello’s skill and Ferrari’s dominant era in Formula 1, adding another highlight to the sport’s rich history at the iconic American track.