Michael 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.
f1 technology articles archive
How the 2012 rules will influence F1 car design
F1 technology
Posted onWith few major changes in the technical rules for 2012, could teams have more scope to innovate? John Beamer looks at the season ahead.
Mid-season technical review part 2
F1 technology
Posted onGuest writer John Beamer concludes his look at the technical developments so far this year.
Technical review: 2011 Canadian Grand Prix
F1 technology
Posted onGuest writer John Beamer reviews the technical changes on the cars at the Canadian Grand Prix.
F1 technology in 2011 part 2: Diffusers and more
F1 technology
Posted onJohn Beamer examines the hot topics of exhaust-blown diffusers and the 2013 engine rules.
F1 technology in 2011 part 1: Tyres and DRS
F1 technology
Posted onIn the first of a two-part series looking F1 technology in 2011, John Beamer talks tyres and DRS.
Why F1 steering wheels have over 20 buttons – and what they all do
F1 technology
Posted onFind out what all those buttons actually do.
Technical review: Turkish Grand Prix
Posted onHow did McLaren get on terms with Red Bull in Istanbul? F1 Fanatic guest writer John Beamer takes a look at the changes to the cars in Istanbul. On the face of it the Turkish Grand Prix should have been an easy one-two for Red Bull. The Milton Keynes-based outfit had almost a second a … Continue reading Technical review: Turkish Grand Prix
Technical review: Spain and Monaco
Posted onJohn Beamer reviews the technical developments at the Spanish and Monaco Grands Prix. Barcelona and Monaco couldn’t be more different in what they demand from an F1 car. Barcelona is the ultimate test of aerodynamic efficiency, whereas Monaco is a drivers’ circuit, which rewards ability and confidence more than anywhere else on the calendar. With … Continue reading Technical review: Spain and Monaco
While F1 dithers over KERS, road car hybrid technology leaves it behind
Posted onRight now, F1 should be enjoying a new turbo era. We had a taste of it last year as some teams deployed Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems to gain a power boost on the straights. Those without it tended to be quicker in the corners – and that crucial difference gave us some great racing. The … Continue reading While F1 dithers over KERS, road car hybrid technology leaves it behind
Five problems F1 designers face in 2010
Posted onF1 cars will weigh almost 100kg more at the start of a race this year compared to last. That presents a host of challenges to F1 designers such as brake wear, ride height, weight distribution and tyre wear. Any team which doesn’t get a grip of the problems will find themselves playing catch-up like McLaren … Continue reading Five problems F1 designers face in 2010
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix technical analysis – and a look ahead to 2010
Posted onF1 Fanatic guest writer John Beamer examines the technical updates from Abu Dhabi and gives his early thoughts on the major changes for 2010. As evident from my recent musings on the technical side of F1 every team has focused its development resources on 2010. Suffice to say there is little to report from Yas … Continue reading Abu Dhabi Grand Prix technical analysis – and a look ahead to 2010
Updated cars arrive in Spain (pictures)
Posted onBMW and Ferrari have revealed substantial upgrades to their cars as F1’s ‘ground war’ in Europe begins. Several other teams have brought upgrades as well – including the ones they’re all trying to catch, Brawn.
Technical review: Australia and Malaysia
Posted onF1 Fanatic guest writer John Beamer examines the technical changes and controversies over the first two races of 2009. Formula 1 never changes. We’re not even two races in and controversy continues to rage around the paddock – as it has done so every year since 1954 and will do so until we humans are … Continue reading Technical review: Australia and Malaysia
Heikki Kovalainen on slicks in F1 (Video)
Posted onIn these two videos McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen and Bridgestone’s Hirohide Hamashima explain what impact the new slick tyres will have on F1 racing this year: Read more F1 2009 technology: front wing F1 2009 technology: Mid-region F1 2009 Technology: Rear wings, diffusers – and the inevitable controversy
F1 2009 technology: Mid-region
Posted onF1 Fanatic guest writer John Beamer continues his technical analysis of the 2009 F1 cars with a look at the mid-section of this year’s designs. When comparing a 2008 and 2009 F1 car the wider front wing and squashed rear wing are the most dramatic changes. Look closely again and one can see equally striking … Continue reading F1 2009 technology: Mid-region
Will slicks put brakes under more stress?
Posted onOne aspect of the 2009 rules I’m trying to get my ahead is how the return to slick tyres and the introduction of KERS might affect brakes. If my shaky grasp if F1 technology is right, I reckon brakes will have a seriously hard time in 2009. Check my working below.
John Beamer’s tech review: Interlagos
Posted onGuest writer John Beamer of F1 Pitlane takes a final look at technical changes on the cars of 2008. The denouement of the Formula 1 season was certainly spectacular. As a story, the emotional roller-coaster and intense human drama of Interlagos easily eclipsed the technical innovation.
John Beamer’s F1 tech file: Shanghai
Posted onWhy did Felipe Massa race with a ‘shark fin’ but Kimi Raikkonen didn’t? How did Fernando Alonso’s ‘under-powered’ Renault out-drag Heikki Kovalainen? John Beamer of F1-Pitlane has the answers to these questions and more in his technical round-up for Shanghai.
John Beamer’s F1 tech file: Fuji
Posted onJohn Beamer from F1-Pitlane looks at the technical tweaks from Fuji. In contrast to the tight corners and slow speeds of the Marina Bay circuit in Singapore, Fuji Speedway, with its 1.5km start-finish straight, puts a premium on a low drag car. Although over 80% of the corners are low speed and would typically demand … Continue reading John Beamer’s F1 tech file: Fuji