this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2023
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Formula 1
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A little bit off topic but I'm seriously questionning how important is the completely open-wheel design. For a decade now we're hearing the turbulence the tire creates is a major hurdle to aero development that inevitably leads to cars that can't race each other. And I'm not talking about making aero cars like WEC but something more similar to a dialed down RedBull X2010. Open suspension, open cockpit but enclosed wheels. I just don't understand why the tires have to be out.
Sure this wouldn't fix the rooster tail spray modern cars create but it would mitigate all the water the tires displace. What am I missing here, why can't we cover the tires?
As far as I know the only reason F1 regulations require open-wheel designs is because of tradition, not because it has any performance benefit. When F1 cars were much simpler (50s and 60s) the fastest design paradigm was skinny open wheels, but as aero has become a bigger consideration open wheels have become a hindrance (from a performance standpoint).
I suppose the root question is how much of F1 regulations should be based in tradition and how much should be based in performance. Would an all electric RB2010 type car out-perform a traditional F1 car? Probably. Would it still be an "F1 car (TM)" though? Well, that's subjective.
Ahhhh traditions. The anchor of progress. I would really like if someone gave me a proper reason as to why open wheels are desirable apart from, and even that would be a stretch, looks. Not that it would be proper anyway.
Weight is one big reason for sticking with open wheel design. The cars are already too big and heavy. Any regulation change that will increase the weight is probably not going to be considered at this point.
And you can allow for nose to tail racing with open wheels. Formula E is open wheel and has almost no issue with dirty air.
Overall I would say full wet races are so rare that changing away from open wheel just for that wouldn't be good for the sport.
Formula E generates waaaaay less downforce compared to F1 to reduce drag thus save battery. And they generally race at lower speed street circuits.
This big open wheel dirty air problem don’t really bother them even without specific designs or regulations.
I was speaking of aero issues mainly, not only wet racing. And is there really no other places where cars could be lightened? Like the whole hybrid drivetrain has to be heavier than two thin carbon fenders no? So sorry but I feel like the weight argument is so easily worked around I can't believe it's the only reason. And they would be what 30kg and that's pushing, this is not formula breaking weight.
And formula e has wheel fenders.
Just looked it up. Looks fine. Just make them fragile enough to keep that open wheel style racing (no rubbing). If it does improve the racing all the haters and purists won't matter. Same thing as the halo. If they want rubbing action like formula E, make them sturdier.
I lean towards your perspective too.
There's definitely a fine line that differentiates F1 from other series, but it's hard to put into words exactly where that line should be drawn. Personally, I'm more interested in performance and engineering innovation than preserving tradition.