The minimum weight for Formula One cars is set to jump from 642kg to 690kg in 2014 – well up from the original 1961 limit of 450kg. Why do F1 cars keep getting heavier?
F1 Technology articles archive
F1 technology
Why do F1 cars keep running out of fuel?
F1 Technology
Posted onAllowing a racing car to run out of fuel is a failure of the most fundamental kind. So why do F1 teams run into exactly that kind of problem so often?
New restrictions won’t put teams off passive DRS
F1 technology
Posted onThe DRS rules have been changed this year following objections from some drivers. But teams reckon it should still remain an area for development.
McLaren MP4-28 and MP4-27 compared
2013 F1 season
Posted onMcLaren’s MP4-28 is outwardly similar to its predecessor but the differences between the two run deeper than might seem immediately apparent.
F1’s new V6 engines for 2014 in numbers
F1 technology
Posted onF1’s engine rules will have their biggest shake-up in a generation next year. Here’s a quick guide to what will change and what to expect.
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.
Why covered cockpits and wheels may be F1’s future
F1 technology
Posted onThe days of open cockpits and uncovered wheels may become a thing of the past – and not just on safety grounds.
Top teams remain close as McLaren peg back Red Bull
F1 statistics
Posted onAs we pass the halfway point in the 2012 season the data shows we are yet to see any one team take a clear lead in car development.
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.
Sauber reveal more pictures of their sliced F1 car
F1 technology
Posted onSauber reveal new pictures of their 2008 BMW-Sauber F1.08 car sliced in half.
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.
Sauber cut an F1 car in half and reveal what’s inside
F1 technology
Posted onSauber cut an F1 car in half to show how its insides are laid out for this fascinating video.
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.
Michael Schumacher shows how to start an F1 race
F1 technology
Posted onMichael Schumacher explains what an F1 driver does at the start of the race, and how they prepare the car to make the fastest possible start.
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.