It’s very rare that F1 teams agree on anything. However, it’s happened and we’re getting three new rules for the 2019 season!
The Rules
The first of the new rules will see F1 drivers wearing biometric gloves. This will enable paramedics and medical staff to monitor drivers’ vital signs during the race and in the event of a collision. The second rule is set to eliminate the disadvantage previously experienced by taller and heavier drivers; a combined driver and seat weight limit will create a level playing field for the drivers.
The third and more controversial rule will see an increase in race fuel allowance from 105kg to 110kg. The FIA say this will allow drivers to use the full potential of the engine at all times; in theory this makes sense, however in practise it certainly won’t be the case.
First Race
The issue is the three engine per year rule. These engines have to last through every race, practise and qualifying session; therefore, it’s understandable that teams protect them like new born babies. This was obvious from the first race of 2018, Hamilton was on pole and leading until Vettel jumped ahead of him in the pits, he then led Hamilton to the chequered flag.
It was clear Vettel wasn’t the quicker of the two, he wasn’t even the quickest Ferrari, Raikkonen out-qualified him and was four seconds to the good when the drivers pitted. It could be argued Melbourne is a difficult track to overtake on but Hamilton holding back to preserve his engine for the rest of the season is a more likely scenario.
The End to Lift and Coast?
Today’s drivers are well versed in fuel saving. When a driver is told to save fuel during a race, the ‘lift and coast’ practice is the most effective way of doing it while minimising time loss and reducing the opportunity for a rival to take advantage. It isn’t just done to save fuel though, the reduced strain on engines bring temperatures down and prolongs brake life too. The increase in fuel then should see drivers resort to these tactics less and battle harder for longer.
Penalties Prove Too Much
Heavy penalties for engine and transmission changes can completely change the weekend, the championship is so close as it is, no driver wants to risk an engine failure and dropping points. The three-engine rule was introduced to reduce costs, whether it achieved this however is debatable as new research has had to be undertaken in order to take the engine to a higher tolerance which in turn costs money.
Solutions?
The only way to have teams battling at ten tenths every weekend is to either create new penalties for engine changes, a five-place grid penalty is a bigger punishment for the driver than the manufacturer. Alternatively, they could scrap these cost cutting measures. While they would undoubtedly lose some manufacturers due to higher costs, those willing to spend the money will help to build a vastly more entertaining competition akin to 00s racing and attract new viewers.
