The F1 commission votes for aerodynamic changes for 2019

Several regulatory modification avenues have been explored by the FIA to allow cars to follow each other more easily without experiencing too much aerodynamic turbulence. Some of these modifications were adopted by majority vote within the F1 commission, composed of all the teams as well as the commercial rights holders of the discipline and the FIA.

First, the front wings will be simplified for 2019 with a larger span and less capacity to deform against the air. Currently, the front wings are very complex and have a multitude of small elements. The goal is to better redirect the airflow toward the rear of the car to increase aerodynamic efficiency.

Then, the commission voted for a simplification of the front brake ducts by removing the small fins around this area. The purpose of these elements is to capture air to better cool the brake scoops.

Last accepted modification point, an enlargement of the rear wings as well as an increase in their depth has been adopted. The purpose of this modification is to allow an increase in the efficiency of the DRS (mobile rear wing reducing drag).

The only proposal that was rejected was to simplify the side deflectors of the cars, which are currently very complex. The purpose of these elements is to purge dirty air coming from the wake of the front wheels to make the flow more efficient. This has the detrimental effect of creating aerodynamic disturbances for the following single-seaters.

The measures were supported by only four teams, namely Mercedes, Force India, Sauber, and Williams. The other six teams were opposed. What tipped the balance in the right direction were the favorable votes from the commercial rights holders as well as the FIA.

The reasons for many teams refusing to adopt these proposals lie in the fact that they do not want to make significant changes to their cars when new regulations will be adopted in 2021. It is also possible that they saw it as the loss of a competitive advantage for those who are best at mastering aerodynamics. Thus, it is easy to imagine that Adrian Newey, at Red Bull, was far from pleased about losing a large part of his playground.

Be aware that all the teams have conducted their own studies using computer simulations to help the regulatory body improve overtaking. An initial meeting took place in Bahrain but did not yield conclusive results. The FIA stated in its press release that other avenues still need to be explored to allow for closer pack racing.