The new regulations about the cars art Formula 1 have already shown a «grey area». Hence, FIA decided to tighten the technical inspections before the races to make sure that no constructor will enjoy an unfair advantage. The issue has to do with the flexibility of the rear wing. Especially, McLaren has managed to create an aerodynamic mini-DRS system that increases the speed of the car even further than the mechanically deployed regular DRS. It’s the reason that the best Asian and European bookmakers have determined the manufacturer as the main candidate for the title and have arranged their odds accordingly. However, it would now seem that they will need to reconsider.
It’s all about more speed
DRS stands for Drag Reduction System. In an effort to increase the chance of overtaking and therefore more competitive races, the ruling body allowed the rear wings to open in a straight. Thus, allowing for about 20 kilometers of greater speed. It should be well-known that this system is deployed when there is a difference of up to 1 second between the two cars.
The mini-DRS allows for a greater speed of up to 5 kilometers even when the regular system cannot be deployed. Because of the flexibility of the upper parts of the rear wing, small parts of it are withdrawn through the increase of air pressure. FIA deemed this to be overly flexible and already changed the rule that allowed the maximum gap between the main horizontal section and the secondary flap from 2mm to 0.5 mm.
Even more measures to control the mini-DRS issue
Since a similar over-flexibility seems to exist for the front wing as well, a similar arrangement will be in effect as of Jun 1. Furthermore, FIA demanded that the teams place cameras on their wings during the free test periods to further monitor the distortion during actual racing. The concept is to maintain the initial idea behind the flexibility of the wings while disallowing any «unfairness».
However, the problem is the denial of the constructors to abide by the spirit of the rules. The pressure for results and therefore more money from the sponsors is far greater than the principle of fighting fairly. And that is the case for all sports that have crossed the line from amateur to professional. It is not the first time that the engineers have found ways to overcome the regulations and acquire an advantage.
Should development be less monitored?
Since the beginning of motorsports, the constructors have been asking only for general guidelines about the development of their cars, instead of the strict regulation that results in penalties and punishments. However, FIA insists that doing so will result in the teams that have the ability to acquire more sponsors widening the gap between them and the smaller teams. Hence, there has to be a rulebook that makes sure that all abide by the same principles.
Already there is a discussion about a radical change in the years to come. And that is the compliance of Formula 1 engines to the environmental prerequisites. And that means completely electrical power units instead of the current hybrids. It would not be unfair to say that when the new rules enforcing those engines come to pass, the engineers will again look for ways to bypass them and gain the upper hand.
For the fans it’s always a matter of winning «fairly and squarely». For the bettors, it’s a matter of the odds reflecting the true strength and the untainted results of their bets when they open an account at the best betting software. That’s what the sporting ideal is all about. Fighting on equal terms and may the best side win.
