McLaren and Force India’s new noses show there is still room for innovation after the FIA moved to eradicate the ugly designs seen last year.
John Beamer's articles on RaceFans
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- Live: 2021 Spanish Grand Prix third practice
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- Paddock Diary: Spanish Grand Prix part one
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- ‘Much better’? ‘Worse for overtaking’? Catalunya’s new turn 10 divides F1 drivers
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- Britain’s new travel restrictions for Turkey casts doubt on race
- Despite solid long run pace, Red Bull say beating Mercedes would be “unbelievable”
- Kubica apologises after ‘paying a high price for a small mistake’ with spin
- Finding a good set-up will never be easy with this car – Hamilton
Factory teams have an edge when it comes to cooling
F1 technology
Posted onF1 teams’ different cooling solution highlights a key advantage those who design their own engines – like Mercedes – have over their customer rivals.
How teams are clawing back rear-end downforce
F1 technology
Posted onChanges in the 2014 rule book aimed to cut how much downforce teams could generate at the rear of the car. But inventive designers are trying to claw it back.
From one extreme to another: Monza’s low drag wings
F1 technology
Posted onWhile this weekend’s race at Singapore demands a maximum downforce set-up, in the last two races teams used their thinnest wings in pursuit of higher speeds.
How the 2015 rules aim to fix ugly F1 noses
F1 technology
Posted onFor next year the FIA intends to change rules which created an ugly generation of F1 cars. Here’s how the new noses may look in 2015.
How teams exploit brake rules to boost downforce
F1 technology
Posted onF1 car designers take advantage of a limited opportunity for aerodynamic freedom in the brake duct areas to claw back precious downforce. John Beamer explains how.
Ferrari’s unusual approach to F1’s new nose rules
F1 technology
Posted onFerrari’s aerodynamics has been a weakness for them in recent seasons but their approach to F1’s complicated new nose rules shows fresh thinking at work.
Technical updates ahead of the Australian Grand Prix
F1 technology
Posted onThe final pre-season test in Bahrain saw the teams continue to work on ensuring their cars run reliably in hotter conditions. Here’s a look at the changes to the cars at the final test.
The first technical innovations of 2014 in detail
F1 technology
Posted onEvery team bar Lotus turned up to the first test with new cars built to drastically changed regulations. John Beamer casts his eye over the notable innovations.
Design trends on the first new cars of 2014
F1 technology
Posted onJohn Beamer looks at how the first teams to reveal their 2014 cars have talked this year’s new rules.
Why Hamilton and Mercedes could surprise in 2013
F1 technology
Posted onGuest writer John Beamer looks at how Mercedes lost their way in 2012 and could bounce back this year as Lewis Hamilton joins them.
Late front wing development on 2012’s fastest car
F1 technology
Posted onThe McLaren MP4-27 was the fastest car of 2012 – and it won the final two races of the year after a subtle but significant front wing tweak.
Red Bull boost diffuser performance with twin tunnels
F1 technology
Posted onRed Bull have persevered with their sidepod bodywork which gave them a few headaches earlier in the year. Here’s how it works.
How Ferrari solved their exhaust problem
F1 technology
Posted onJohn Beamer examines the progress Ferrari have made by changing the position of their exhaust exits.
Williams’ low-downforce concave rear wing
F1 technology
Posted onWilliams raced a special low-downforce rear wing at the Canadian Grand Prix – John Beamer looks at how it works.
Why McLaren turned their nose up
F1 technology
Posted onMcLaren jumped on the high-nose bandwagon at the Spanish Grand Prix. John Beamer explains why.
Williams take a step forward with improved compact gearbox
F1 technology
Posted onJohn Beamer explains how Williams have refined the radical gearbox they developed last year – and produced a more competitive car.
The problems with Ferrari’s front pull-rod suspension
F1 technology
Posted onWill Ferrari persist with their tricky front pull-rod suspension or abandon it in favour of a more traditional set-up?
How the Red Bull RB8’s exhaust feeds its diffuser
F1 technology
Posted onThe Red Bull RB8 sported an intricate new exhaust at the final test. John Beamer examines how it tries to replicate the effect of last year’s exhaust-blown diffusers.
Front wing design case study: Mercedes W03
F1 technology
Posted onThe front wing is a vital part of an F1 car which affects its entire aerodynamic performance. Here’s how Mercedes have designed theirs.
