Mercedes sent their rivals into a frenzy following their smart engine design that managed to increase the compression ratio while conforming to the regulations.The eight-time Formula 1 champions managed to design an engine that has a compression ratio of 16:1, as per the rules, when cold. However, through some smart use of materials, the compression ratio increases to 18:1 when the engine is running.
Naturally, that did not go down well with Mercedes’ rivals, Audi, Red Bull, Honda, and Ferrari, who lobbied with the FIA and Formula One Management to change the testing procedure to be done at 130°C instead of ambient temperature.
Following meetings with engine manufacturers, the FIA put a proposal to change the testing procedure up to a vote, with changes to be effective in August.
Many looked at this decision as wrong and punishing innovation in F1, with former driver Riccardo Patrese one of those sharing this view.
Patrese said: “Changing the regulations for August 1st is a problem for the Federation. They didn’t give a precise line.
“From my point of view, Mercedes did a really good job to study the regulations and find a way they could have an advantage.
“That was always the spirit of Formula 1,” he pointed out, “who was a little bit more smart or clever to find a solution to a new regulation which could make a big enough difference to even win the championship.”
That is how it has always been in F1
Looking back into F1 history, the 71-year-old recalled: “In 1981 when the skirts were banned, Gordon Murray found a way around the rule that cars had to have a minimum 6 cm ground clearance to curb excessive downforce and high cornering speeds.
“Murray designed a suspension system that allowed the Brabham to sit at the necessary 6 cm while stationary but used aerodynamic force to lower the car to regain the skirt effect. [Nelson] Piquet then won the world championship.
“Ross Brawn did the same in 2009 with the double diffuser, which allowed Jenson Button to be world champion and Rubens Barrichello to be second.
“Formula 1 has always been like this,” Patrese reiterated. “And if you can have the idea which puts you ahead for maybe a few months, such as Mercedes this season, they can have an advantage and dominate, which would be enough to win the world championship.
“That presupposes that Mercedes will be as good as everyone thinks. Don’t forget that Carlos Sainz says that Red Bull will have the best engine.
“I am very curious to see what will happen this season. A lot of things are coming to the boil.
“At the end of the day, we will only know when we go to the first Grand Prix where everybody has to put down their best and the drivers have to drive as quickly as they can,” Patrese concluded.
(Source:Â talkSPORT BET Slots Site)