Formula 1 Cars 2015

Formula 1 Cars 2015

11 February 2015

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.