Allison critiques F1’s extremely rigid ground effect cars as subpar

F1’s Ground Effect Rules: Challenges and Frustrations

As Formula One seeks to improve overtaking, a switch to ground effect rules concept has been implemented starting from the 2022 season. However, this change comes with its own set of challenges for teams and drivers alike.

The Nature of Cars:

The unique nature of these cars results in peak downforce being generated close to the ground. Consequently, teams are forced to run their cars as low as possible while implementing super stiff suspension settings. This approach leaves little room for adjustment and creates hard-to-manage setups. As a result, drivers find themselves racing cars that lack the enjoyment factor they once had.

A Drastic Change:

Technical Director James Allison highlights how drastically different these new rules are compared to previous ones. In the past, media buzzed around high-rake versus low-rake concepts as if it was everything. The rear ride height range between high-rake (around 140mm) and low-rake (approximately 120mm) seemed significant at that time.

Allison emphasizes that these earlier variations pale in comparison with today’s regulations. The current cars have an extremely narrow operating window when it comes to ride height – starting off at just around 60mms above the ground level! While there may be slight differences among them, all cars essentially hug the tarmac.

Restrictive Operating Window:

Allison argues that the limited operating window of these cars severely restricts what teams and engineers can do. The narrow focus on being close to the ground leaves little room for adaptation in different race scenarios.

A One-Dimensional Approach:

Under previous rules, teams could set up their cars to excel on tracks with a specific profile. For instance, if a circuit had consistent cornering characteristics, teams could optimize their setups accordingly. However, this new rule concept poses challenges when it comes to circuits that demand a broader range of car performance – like Austin with its mix of high-speed sections, slower corners, intermediate segments, straights, and bumps.

The current regulations fail to accommodate such diverse requirements. Cars struggle with downforce failure at the end of straights while also needing stability in fast corners. The rules prioritize grounding over adaptability.

A Frustrating Situation:

Allison confesses his personal dissatisfaction with this situation. Even drivers who are currently successful under these regulations might not find them particularly enjoyable either. Allison cites world champion Max Verstappen as an example – despite dominating the championship with significant margins – suggesting he wouldn’t describe his experience as “lovely.” Formula One has undergone changes that have diminished the driving experience compared to just a few years ago.