Formula 1 2019 Aero Changes: Sebastian Vettel Skeptical on Overtaking Improvements
The dawn of the 2019 Formula 1 season brought with it a raft of new technical regulations, primarily focusing on aerodynamic changes designed to enhance the spectacle of racing. The most significant alterations involved simplified front wings and wider, higher rear wings, engineered with the explicit goal of making it easier for cars to follow each other closely and, crucially, to facilitate more overtaking opportunities. However, as the pre-season testing concluded and teams gathered initial data and driver feedback, opinions began to diverge on the effectiveness of these new rules. Among the prominent voices sharing their early assessments was four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, who expressed a notable degree of skepticism regarding whether these modifications had truly delivered on their promise.
The FIA and F1’s technical working groups had spent considerable time developing these regulations, driven by a desire to combat the ‘dirty air’ problem that has plagued modern F1. Dirty air, the turbulent wake generated by a car’s complex aerodynamic surfaces, makes it incredibly difficult for a following car to maintain grip and downforce, thus hindering its ability to launch an attack. The 2019 wings were intended to reduce this turbulent air, thereby allowing cars to get closer without losing performance. While some drivers, like Kevin Magnussen, offered optimistic initial reactions, Vettel’s experience during testing painted a more cautious picture, suggesting that the fundamental challenge of following and overtaking might persist despite the regulatory overhaul.
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What the Drivers Are Saying
The contrasting perspectives on the new aerodynamic rules highlight the complex nature of Formula 1 car design and driver experience. While Kevin Magnussen of Haas F1 had reportedly stated that F1’s revised wings had made it considerably easier to follow another car, suggesting a positive step forward, Sebastian Vettel presented a more measured and somewhat skeptical view when questioned about the impact of the new regulations during the pre-season testing sessions:
“Yes, I have followed other cars last week and yesterday, not really this morning. It’s difficult to say in testing, it’s always difficult to judge because you’re on different tyres, not just different age of tyres but also different compounds and different programs.
So far it was still tricky to follow and to overtake.”
Vettel’s comments underscore the inherent limitations of drawing definitive conclusions from pre-season testing. Teams often run varied programs, experimenting with different fuel loads, tyre compounds, and car setups, making direct comparisons between cars challenging. A driver might be on older, harder tyres while attempting to follow a car on fresh, softer rubber, skewing the perception of following difficulty. Furthermore, the competitive intensity of a Grand Prix race, where drivers are pushing at 100% for position, differs significantly from the controlled environment of testing. Despite these caveats, Vettel’s “still tricky to follow and to overtake” assessment, even under testing conditions, raised questions about the true efficacy of the 2019 aero package in achieving its primary objective. His experience with the Ferrari SF90 suggested that the core aerodynamic challenge of operating in turbulent air might not have been as drastically mitigated as hoped, setting a cautious tone for the season regarding the prospects of closer racing.
Quotes: Dieter Rencken
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Motorsport Buzz: Social Media Highlights
The world of motorsport is constantly buzzing with activity, and social media platforms provide an instant window into the latest developments, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and engaging discussions from teams, drivers, and fans alike. Here’s a round-up of notable posts that captured attention:
The Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team shared an intriguing comparison of their latest challenger, the W10, alongside its predecessor. The post, which featured the caption “Two silver @F1 siblings, side by side. But how do W10 and its predecessor compare? James Allison explains all! 👇”, highlighted the continuous evolution of Formula 1 car design. Such insights from key technical figures like James Allison are invaluable for fans seeking to understand the intricate details and design philosophies behind the sport’s cutting-edge machinery, showcasing the relentless pursuit of performance and innovation in F1. This tweet generated significant interest, as fans eagerly anticipated a deep dive into the engineering advancements of the new Mercedes car.
Meanwhile, the burgeoning electric motorsport series, Formula E, garnered attention with news about its upcoming London E-Prix. Veteran motorsport journalist Andrew Marriott posted about the unique nature of the event: “London will have an @FIAFormulaE Race through the @ExCeLLondon Centre. Interviewer @RobBonnet suggests on @BBCRadio4 Today it will be chaos. Agag responds we like chaos. Really?”. This exchange captured the adventurous spirit of Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag and the series’ willingness to embrace unconventional race formats. The proposed indoor/outdoor circuit at ExCeL London promised an unprecedented racing experience, and Agag’s characteristic embrace of “chaos” resonated with the series’ disruptive and innovative identity, sparking discussions about the future of urban motorsport and fan engagement.
- For more official F1 accounts to follow and stay updated, explore the comprehensive F1 Twitter Directory.
Essential Motorsport Reads & Links
Stay informed and dive deeper into the world of motorsport with these compelling articles and discussions from around the globe:
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Alejandro Agag: Bernie Ecclestone told me ‘You will never make your first race’ (CNN)
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag reflects on the incredible journey of the all-electric racing series, revealing the initial skepticism from none other than former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Agag recounts, “Race number 50 is a very big moment for us. I remember Bernie Ecclestone told me: ‘You will never make your first race’.” This CNN feature highlights Formula E’s remarkable growth from a nascent idea to a global championship, underscoring Agag’s vision and perseverance in overcoming significant challenges and establishing a new paradigm for motorsport.
Aston Martin leads drive to discover new British F1 star (Aston Martin)
Aston Martin Racing has taken the lead in nurturing the next generation of British motorsport talent through its prestigious Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award (AMABA). This initiative offers a career-changing opportunity for young drivers. The 2019 winner of the AMABA is set to receive an unparalleled experience, including a test drive in an Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car at Silverstone – a track synonymous with British motorsport – as well as a run in an FIA World Endurance Championship Aston Martin Vantage GTE challenger. Additionally, the award boasts an overall prize fund of £200,000, providing crucial financial backing for the winner’s career progression.
Verstappen almost didn’t sleep before Honda debut (Autosport)
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen shared a candid insight into his anticipation for the new Honda power unit, revealing the profound excitement he felt ahead of his first test with the engine. “The night before, I almost didn’t sleep. I haven’t been that excited in a long time,” he confessed. This Autosport report captures the palpable enthusiasm surrounding the Red Bull-Honda partnership, a crucial turning point for the team and a significant challenge for Honda to prove its capabilities at the pinnacle of motorsport. Verstappen’s eagerness underscored the high hopes and potential of this collaboration.
Interview: The one thing missing from Dixon’s resume (Racer)
In an insightful interview with Racer, legendary IndyCar driver Scott Dixon discusses the continuous pursuit of perfection, even for a multiple champion. Dixon highlights a specific area for improvement: “We were very strong in the road courses before, and with the road course program last year, we weren’t very good, especially in qualifying. We ended up with good race cars, but we really didn’t figure out how to get the peak qualifying performance out of it.” This candid admission from one of motorsport’s all-time greats illustrates the relentless drive and analytical approach required at the highest level, even when faced with an already stellar career.
Andretti to be honoured with Indy Museum exhibit (Motorsport magazine)
Motorsport Magazine reports on a grand tribute to one of racing’s most iconic figures, Mario Andretti, with a dedicated exhibit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The collection celebrates his unparalleled career across various disciplines. Leading the impressive line-up is the Lotus Type 79-4, the very car from Andretti’s 1978 Formula 1 World Championship season, a cornerstone of his legacy. The exhibit also features other legendary machines, including the 1974 Vel’s Parnelli Jones F1 car, the 1967 Dean Van Lines Brawner Hawk II (an Indy 500 polewinner), the 1967 Watson Leader Card sprint car, his 1967 Daytona 500-winning car, the Horn Offenhauser sprint car known as ‘Baby’ from his debut sprint car race, and a 1994 Lola T9400 from his ‘Arrivederci Mario’ IndyCar campaign. This extensive collection offers a comprehensive look at the versatility and enduring impact of a true racing legend.
FIA president Jean Todt and promoters of global FIA championships assemble at Geneva International Motor Show to highlight growth and key 2019 developments (FIA)
FIA President Jean Todt convened with promoters of global FIA championships at the prestigious Geneva International Motor Show to discuss the remarkable growth and pivotal developments anticipated for 2019 across various motorsport series. Todt emphasized the critical need for innovation and adaptation, stating, “It is vital that we not only keep pace, but find new ways in which we can lead. Time marches on, as does technology, and what interests and inspires people.” This gathering underscored the FIA’s proactive approach to shaping the future of motorsport, focusing on technological advancements, fan engagement, and ensuring the sport remains relevant and exciting for generations to come.
We are committed to crediting original sources in all our content. If you come across a compelling link or a piece of news that you believe would be a great addition to the next RaceFans round-up, please don’t hesitate to send it in via our contact form. Your contributions help us maintain a rich and diverse news compilation for all motorsport enthusiasts.
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Comment of the Day: The F1 Fan Experience Debate
The evolving landscape of Formula 1 often sparks fervent discussion among its dedicated fanbase, particularly concerning changes to the sport’s traditional structure and race weekend format. Today’s featured comment from reader RogerA eloquently articulates a common sentiment among those who value the depth and breadth of a classic F1 weekend. RogerA raises pertinent questions about proposed changes, specifically the reduction of practice sessions and the shortening of race weekends:
“how is reducing practice/shortening the race weekend improving the fan experience?
When I attend a race weekend I want to see F1 drivers in F1 cars as much as possible. Doing away with Friday F1 running takes away a chunk of what I attend to watch.
Reducing practice running and especially turning it into a 2 day F1 weekend just makes it less worth attending in my view & does not improve the fan experience.
I would also argue that adding more races doesn’t improve the fan experience as it just makes each race feel less special and will more than likely only result in less fans watching every race which again I don’t see as improving the fan experience.
There are things that could be changed/improved. But the number of races & the overall weekend 3 day format with the current amount of practice are not things that do.
RogerA
RogerA’s perspective highlights a fundamental concern for many Grand Prix attendees and avid viewers: the desire for maximum track action. For fans investing time and money to attend a race, Friday practice sessions are not merely a formality but an integral part of the experience, offering extended opportunities to see the cars on track, observe driver preparations, and witness the initial setup work unfold. The idea of a condensed two-day format, while potentially appealing for logistical or cost-saving reasons from an organizational standpoint, risks diminishing the perceived value for the spectator. Furthermore, RogerA touches upon the debate around an expanding F1 calendar, arguing that an increased number of races could dilute the exclusivity and special nature of each event, potentially leading to fan fatigue rather than enhanced engagement. This comment serves as a powerful reminder that while the sport seeks to innovate, the core fan experience – defined by ample on-track excitement and the unique prestige of each Grand Prix – must remain at the forefront of any strategic decisions.
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On This Day in Formula 1 History
- On this day in 2009, a remarkable chapter in Formula 1 history began as Brawn GP officially emerged from the ashes of Honda Racing F1. The team, under the astute leadership of Ross Brawn, revealed its astonishingly competitive BGP 001 for the very first time. Against all odds, with minimal testing and a last-minute rescue, this car would go on to dominate the 2009 season, securing both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in one of F1’s most improbable underdog triumphs. This day marked the beginning of a legendary, albeit brief, era for the Brawn GP team.