Mean machines for Melbourne
UPCOMING F1: DESIGNED TO RAMP UP SPEED, THESE CARS ‘BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF YOU’
Drivers adapt training for increase in muscular effort.
John Floyd
Thus far the launch of the new era F1 cars with the more aggressive, meaner look has left me wondering whether I need to visit my optician because I can’t see a major difference, certainly not enough to provide the WOW factor.
I am aware of the lower rear wing and the much wider tyres, but I am really not blown away.
Let us see what the performance gains are during this week’s testing – that’s if they do not sandbag of course.
The drivers have adapted their training regimes to compensate for the increase in muscular effort required and the effect of greater G-forces on their bodies.
Lewis Hamilton has been quoted as saying: “After the first day I shall know exactly where I am weak. It does not matter how fit you are and how hard you trained – you get in that car and it beats the crap out of you.
“It just does – there is just no simulation for it. So whether you feel it in the neck, there will be a muscle you didn’t even know you had, deep down under your rib cage and you think, what the hell?
“But during these testing days you figure those weak areas out and work on them.”
It is always difficult to know what to expect on test days, as every team has its own agenda and generally they do not announce it to the world.
Some will attempt to acquire maximum information on chassis dynamics, others aerodynamics, plus, of course, the power unit and transmission.
Another important aspect is the effect of the new, wider Pirellis.
Testing these and gathering data as to the best compound for each car is a priority, and this year there will be time for wet weather evaluation.
Many welcome this as last year few were happy with the current wet tyre configuration.
I was interested to read a release a few days ago attributed to Hamilton regarding the sharing of test data.
Apparently the Englishman believes that sharing data between teammates is wrong and it is time to stop them from seeing each other’s data and telemetry.
The media queried whether he did not wish his new team-mate to gain any advantage by having such access.
The next day Hamilton took to social media to inform everyone that he has no problem with his own situation at Mercedes or Bottas.
He is reported as saying: “I wish to clarify, I have not hit out at my team at all. My point on data sharing is solely my feelings about the sport in general.
“It has been my feeling since the day I started F1 and still is 10 years later.
“There is zero problems in my team, zero problems with Bottas.”
I have to admit to being somewhat confused by this response. If he has no issue with his team or its members, then why make the previous statement?
In fact it was reported at the time that he had already spoken to Mercedes regarding the practice and requested them to stop.
So what are we supposed to make of this?
Did he speak to his team, and what was his reason for the “clarification” of the issue within a short period of time? Perhaps it was misreported or perhaps management requested that he stress that this was not a reflection on his team or its personnel.
The real interest for me came a few days later when it was reported that Mercedes team chief, Toto Wolff, had discussed the teams “internal driver directive” and that it will develop the directive over the season.
That document was brought about following the clashes between Hamilton and his then team-mate Nico Rosberg.
The robust manoeuvres between the two during the 2016 season could well have cost the team the championship, and incurred considerable costs due to car damage.
Wolff said: “That is an internal paper that has grown over the years with experience.
“When you look at Abu Dhabi, it’s proved to have blank spots, so it’s something we want to continue to do and develop for the benefit of the team, the drivers and the spectators.”
The fact that he has reiterated the need for such a document is interesting.
Not in a negative way, but as an indication that the team is expecting some close quarter rivalry between Hamilton and Bottas.
Add to this the statement from Red Bull that there will be no team orders between Ricciardo and Verstappen and we could just be in for one of the best seasons for many a year.
Roll on Melbourne.