Changes adding spice to F1

The Formula One season starts to hot up as Bahrain extends the warmest of welcomes to the teams arriving for the second and third pre-season tests ahead of the start of the season in Melbourne on March 16.

The 2014 season brings some of the most radical changes to the rules in a generation, which has led to a range of innovative features and designs.

While much of last season focused on the Pirelli tyres, focus has shifted pre-season initially to the new looks of the cars, particularly at the front-end, along with the engines and other technical regulations.

For the teams, testing has as much to do with looking at competitors to learn of their innovative interpretations as it is about learning more about track-data comparisons to the figures generated on the simulator.

It is the engines that witness some of the greatest changes with turbo-charging being reintroduced for the first time since 1988, albeit with a smaller capacity of 1.6-litre.

The complexity – and to a certain extent reliability – lies in the new hybrid system aimed at generating more energy-efficient and carbon-friendly designs, the ultimate aim being to allow the findings to be passed to road car technology.

The energy recovery systems used in the past (Kers) have been modified to allow for savings not just from braking but also from heat capture of the exhaust gases (Ers). The output has also been enhanced by 250 per cent to allow for 150kw which will be available for up to 30 seconds per lap, rather than under seven seconds in 2013.

It is this aspect that may have the greatest impact on Red Bull’s system. In 2013 they experienced regular difficulties with Kers, although the limited time and output available made little difference. That will not be the case this year. A further limit on the amount of fuel permitted means that the ability to boost performance with battery power will be crucial.

What makes the engine changes – and the testing in Bahrain – particularly intriguing this year, is that the enhancements will once again be frozen later this month in an effort to contain costs. This means that engine performance differentials will be maximised in the early races while teams are still learning more about their aerodynamic packages.

These changes are reminiscent of the 2009 season when early-season domination for Jenson Button’s Brawn effectively carried him to his maiden championship, demonstrating how initial advantages can make a difference. Button won six of the first seven races although lost supremacy after other teams copied the controversial diffuser. It’s just one more reason why the world will be watching Bahrain.

Following Red Bull’s poor performance at the first test in Jerez there are already rumours that they are looking to replace Renault in 2015. If one supplier dominates, contracts permitting, could we see a single supplier in the coming years?

The main change aerodynamically is to the front wing, which has been reduced in width by 15cm. This may sound negligible yet it serves to drastically alter the flow of air over the remainder of the car. Under previous regulations (allowing the wing to cover the full width of the car), air was deflected over the front tyres meaning it could be better controlled. That will no longer be the case.

This is coupled with a reduction in the height of the nose of the car, specifically to improve the safety of the drivers when involved in a front-end collision (although there are some who believe this may only result in cars ‘shovelling’ another).  It is this aspect that has drawn the most aesthetic attention with the noses being likened to that of an anteater.

These changes meant that lap times in Spain were around five seconds per lap slower than last season, although by the time the teams finish testing in Bahrain they will hope to have made up at least 80 per cent of this difference. However, as Pirelli seeks to solve reliability issues of its own, the harder rubber may again adversely effect the times.

Mercedes were the big winners after the first test in Jerez completing substantially more mileage than their competitors, although they are playing down claims to now be pre-season favourites, justifiably pointing to previous seasons where early pacesetters have subsequently faltered. It was McLaren and Ferrari who topped the time sheets with Williams the surprise package.

The main talking point was the troubles afflicting the Renault engine which affected the three teams they supply that were present; Red Bull, Torro Rosso and Caterham. Red Bull managed only 21 laps over four days. The French manufacturer is already claiming to have rectified the hardware IT problems that caused their Ers to malfunction although the software issues are still demanding attention.

Renault’s well-publicised problems have helped to deflect attention from the overheating problems experienced by the Red Bull soon after leaving the pits. These should result in a modified rear chassis in Bahrain.

Adrian Newey has long been considered an aerodynamic genius although the new regulations have required a re-think of the successful manner in which he harnessed superior down-force from the exhaust. Red Bull will hope that Renault is able to deliver greater consistency in order to test the airflow and down-force.

Off track there have been a number of changes with a new penalty system for driving offences and a double-points race in Abu Dhabi to bring the season to a close. However, one of the more intriguing adjustments will be to allow drivers to choose their own career number, with the exception of Number 1, which will be reserved for the reigning champion, should he choose to use it.

After four years of Red Bull dominating the championship, Formula 1 now enters a period of uncertainty where engine performance, specifically with energy recovery, will be the primary differentiator.

With the forthcoming engine development freeze the ability to maximise power in Bahrain is imperative. As teams are forced to learn quickly about their new cars it will be interesting to see whether those teams not wanting the double points now may be grateful for it at the end of the season!