So last week saw the beginning of F1 testing at Circuito de Jerez in Spain and I think we can all agree that it has been an eye-opener. Due to changes in rules and regulations – not to mention the tech – there has been a decrease in engine size and therefore down-force, so tweaks to the chassis to compensate have never been more important.
Some alterations may appear subtle, but as we know, an inch here or a curved edge there can make huge changes to the aerodynamics of the car, which equate to seconds lost or gained on the track.
Here are a few chassis changes for you to look out for:
Williams Martini Racing
Engine: Mercedes PU106B Hybrid
Drivers: Bottas and Massa
Look out for: New front bulkhead and nose geometry to improve already impressive aerodynamics.
Scuderia Ferrari
Engine: Ferrari
Drivers: Vettel and Raikkonen.
Look out for: Tightly packaged rear bodywork, better aerodynamics and the previous 'vacuum' nose replaced with a smoother, longer design.
Lotus F1
Engine: (previously Renault) Mercedes PI106B Hybrid
Drivers: Grosjean and Maldonado.
Look out for: Changes to the nose - opting for a long, smooth line protruding over the front of the wing to compensate for blockages caused by the newly mandated section.
McLaren Honda
Engine: Honda RA615H
Drivers: Alonso and Button
Look out for: A new carbon-composite body, slimmed rear and revised nose.
Infiniti Red Bull Racing
Engine: Renault Sport’s Energy F1
Drivers: Ricciardo and Kivyat
Look out for: Newly designed nose cone and (how can you miss it?!) paint job. Do we think this will last beyond testing, karters?
Mercedes AMG Petronas
Engine: Mercedes PU106B Hybrid
Drivers: Rosberg and Hamilton
Look out for: Longer nose and narrower rear bodywork.
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Engine: Renault Energy F1-2015
Drivers: Verstappen and Sainz
Look out for: New nose design to comply with new mandate and to improve aerodynamics.
Sauber F1
Engine: Ferrari
Drivers: Ericsson and Nasr
Look out for: Reformatted nose cone – the team have opted for the long protruding design over the front wing.
Sahara Force India
Engine: Mercedes PU106B Hybrid
Drivers: Perez and Hulkenberg
Look out for: The nose and front end of the chassis have been lowered to improve aerodynamics.
Apart from some important changes to the front end of most of the cars to comply with the new modification regulations, a lot of the chassis remain unchanged – after all why tamper with perfection? We do however have a number of changes to power units and gearboxes as well as a completely new engine manufacturer for one team, which could see a change in the front runners. So do you want to know more? Then join the conversation on Twitter - @Karting #F1 and #FormulaE.
Watch this space karters for my next blog where I’ll talk tech nitty-gritty.