The new Formula 1 keeps patching its own regulations. With the approach of the Monaco Grand Prix, it seemed energy-recharge problems might finally be resolved and we could witness a normal race, but another snag has emerged: in Monaco the cars will have too much energy.
The FIA has made two highly controversial moves. First, cap the cars’ power by mandating a distinct engine map for the power units compared to the rest of the season. Second, ban the use of active aerodynamics to prevent possible accidents. It will be the first dry race without active aerodynamics since 2010.
Aston Martin could be the big beneficiary of the FIA’s new rule
Monaco also poses a challenge for the new generation of Formula 1 cars. While up to now the engines struggled to extract energy, the problem in Monte Carlo is that they will have too much, so the FIA has decided to limit the cars’ speed. Teams will have to run with a motor map never used before.
As Monaco is a twisting circuit with many braking zones, the cars’ battery will be constantly topped up. This has led Formula 1 to fear safety issues from going too fast in sections they are not used to, so the compromise decision has been to throttle the battery from 300 km/h onwards.
In addition, there will be another unusual restriction in Monaco: for the first time since 2010 there will be no active aerodynamics. The cars will not be able to deploy their front or rear wings on any of Monaco’s straights. The reason is the same: concern about an accident due to speeds higher than usual in certain zones.
Since the DRS was introduced in 2011, Formula 1 cars have opened their rear wings on Monaco’s short finish straight. Some wondered whether the curved tunnel would also allow it under the new rules, but once again the FIA has been the most conservative: there will be no movable wings for the first time in 16 years.
These measures could ironically end up benefiting Aston Martin. Monaco’s circuit is not very demanding on engines, which helps mask Honda’s power unit’s weaknesses. But if the battery is also so restricted, Aston Martin could be facing its first real chance to secure a respectable result.
Additionally, Monaco will implement the new hot-load measurement for engine compression. A mix of measures that could lead to Mercedes not winning a race for the first time this year.
Images | Audi, Ferrari
