Elliott Danker takes you through the most drastic of regulation changes in F1 history for the 2014 season
Formula 1 racing is a constantly-evolving sport. Rule changes occur practically every season, in order to make it more exciting. But that hasn’t been the only concern for the past few years.
The environment, cost and excitement, just some of the things that have been on the minds of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) for the past few years, have all led to a major change in regulations for the 2014 F1 season.
Let’s try to break down some of the major changes you can expect in 2014, and perhaps you can also start to imagine how a 2014 F1 car would look and sound like.
Engine
I’m going to miss the roar of the 2.4-litre V8 engines, as they get replaced by 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines, revving to a maximum of 15,000rpm (revolutions per minute).
The current engines produce more than 750bhp (brake horsepower), whilst the 2014 units will produce around 600bhp, with additional power coming from Energy Recovery Systems (ERS).
Energy Recovery Systems
Basically what this will do is provide a large proportion of the car’s power. This is kind of cool because part of the function of the ERS will be to generate power using waste heat from the engine’s turbocharger.
Unlike the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which currently gives drivers an extra 80bhp for 6 seconds per lap), this ERS will give drivers 160bhp for 33 seconds per lap, and that’s a significant amount of power.
To compensate for the extra power being generated under braking by ERS, teams will be allowed to use an electronic rear brake control system.
Gearbox
Another big change, gearboxes are to have eight forward ratios rather than the current seven, which each team must nominate ahead of the season.
Fuel
Here’s where the environmental part comes into play. To promote fuel efficiency, fuel will be limited to 100kg per race. At the moment, fuel is unlimited but teams typically use around 160kg per race.
Minimum weight
To compensate for the increased weight of the 2014 powertrain, minimum weight has been increased from the current 642kg to 690kg.
Exhaust
We are used to two exhaust tailpipes but the 2014 regulations will only allow the use of a single tailpipe which must be angled upwards to prevent the exhaust flow being used for aerodynamic effect.
Also, bodywork is not allowed to be placed behind the tailpipe.
Nose height
Another aspect of regulation change is for safety reasons, and so the height of car noses will be reduced in 2014. The maximum height is currently 550mm, whereas next year it’s 185mm – quite a huge difference.
Front wing
Just like in 2009, front wings will again be reduced. This time, from 1800mm to 1650mm.
Rear wing
Another change, which will make the car look a little weird, is to the rear wing. The lower beam wing is being outlawed, and the main flap will be slightly shallower in profile.
Based on these changes, you can imagine that the 2014 cars will look quite different from what we’re used to. One thing I will definitely miss is the roar of the old V8 or even V12 engines, that raw power that rips the track apart going down the straight.
I heard a preview of the V6 engine from Mercedes, and it’s a more electronic-sounding engine. In fact, based on all the changes I’ve mentioned, you can expect a very electronic-based car. As we all know, electronics have their fair share of problems.
I don’t expect a smooth start to the 2014 F1 season when the Australian GP comes along in March. Testing is still underway, and teams will have to go through some radical changes to their car designs. Lots of trial and error is expected as well.
One things for sure, if there was ever a time to break Red Bull Racing’s dominance, it’s in 2014!
Catch Elliot Danker on weekdays, from 10am to 2pm, on Power 98FM.
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