The first changes to the technical regulations aim to improve driving in qualifying and safety in the race, both regarding overtakes and starts. At the same time, the question is whether the new rules will benefit or disadvantage some engine manufacturers, however unintentionally, particularly Ferrari and Mercedes. Federico Albano and Carlo Platella try to provide an answer in the new episode of “Thursday Engineers”.
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Who loses and who gains
Overall, the package of changes will have the effect of increasing the relevance of the internal combustion engine compared to the electrical part, which could influence the balance of power. Ferrari should not benefit from it, since the electric motor can still be used at full power during acceleration, while a reduction would have enhanced the smaller turbo of the Maranello power unit. Instead, the fact that the internal combustion engine will be exploited for longer could further reward the power of the Mercedes units. Furthermore, the engine will be even more stressed, which could lead to requests from some engine manufacturers to be able to intervene on the power unit for reliability reasons, even without enjoying the ADUO.
Another big topic is starts. In Miami, the new system will be tested which will activate the electric motor in case of a slow start, to prevent anyone from remaining stationary on the grid. Being an emergency procedure, the solution should not affect the advantage of Ferrari-powered cars at the start. However, the stratagem used by Mercedes and Red Bull in qualifying reminds us how all teams are very skilled at interpreting the rules to their advantage.
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What changes on track
While awaiting evaluation of the possible consequences for the hierarchies, the updated regulations promise to improve the spectacle on track, especially in qualifying, even without solving all problems. The new ways of using the power unit could also increase the importance of the braking system, with the feeling that drivers will spend more time on the brakes, where much will depend on the effects of enhanced superclipping. Despite the changes, in fact, cars will still lose speed on the straight and will continue to do so until the power units change more radically, probably in the coming seasons.
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