Image via Oracle Red Bull Racing/Facebook
Changes are coming to Formula One for the new season, among them more pit stops. While there are tweaks made every season, the ones coming this time around might really shake things up, especially for the Monaco Grand Prix. Another one might put the clamps down on what some say was cheating by McLaren last season.
The latest F1 movie trailer leaves a lot of unanswered questions.
First up, the pit stops rule, which apparently hasn’t been finalized by FIA yet, would mandate all drivers perform at least two pit stops during each race. That’s a big deal for Monaco, where the narrow streets make passing almost impossible with modern F1 cars.
Last year, Charles Leclerc took advantage of that fact, taking the first spot after a red flag stopped all cars, keeping others from passing him as he didn’t pull in for another pit stop. If the mandatory two pit stops rule is instituted, he and other drivers can’t try that trick again.
According to the Associated Press, the Formula One Commission discussed increasing the mandatory number of pit stops. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner disclosed that in the meeting it was discussed that teams would have to use three different tire compounds during a race.
Such a rule change would shift the strategic approach teams would have to take this season. It might make F1 more exciting to watch, making it a big win for fans as things are mixed up. But we know some people aren’t fans of change, while others might feel these changes aren’t the ones needed for the sport.
The Formula One Commission also reportedly talked about new test requirements for front and rear wings on cars, preventing teams from using designs that flex at high speeds. Last season, fans noted McLaren’s rear wing seemed to bend as the car hit higher speeds, possibly giving it an advantage.
It would seem that potential loophole might be closed as well. FIA would be testing rear wings’ rigidity starting from the first race this season, while front wheels would be tested started with the Spanish Grand Prix.
Will these proposed rules make F1 more exciting to watch? We’ll see soon enough.
Image via Oracle Red Bull Racing/Facebook
