Pirelli rubbished claims that Formula 1 cars will be as slow as F2 cars after the regulations are introduced in 2021.
Racing Point CEO Otmar Szafnauer had iterated last week that he feels that F1 will be “barely quicker than Formula 2” under the 2021 regulations which will cut the amount of downforce their produce. F1’s motorsport director Ross Brawn defended the changes, pointing out Racing Point have not simulated the effect of the changes as extensively as their rivals.
Mario Isola, Pirelli's Head for F1 and Car Racing, also echoed Ross Brawn's thoughts saying:
“I disagree with that because current Formula 1 cars are 10 to 12 seconds, probably, quicker than the Formula 2 car.
The regulations were not designed to have quicker cars in Formula 1. [That] was the target in 2017, it’s not the target for 2021. The target is completely different, it’s to have cars that are race-able with more overtaking, more action on-track and less effect of the downforce when you follow another car. Those are all positive aspects for Formula 1."
via RaceFans
Isola suggested that the downforce will be less and the cars will be heavier, but that is exactly the plan so that the sport becomes more action packed and thrilling. The two factors are bound to increase overtaking and make the event more race-able. However, he did admit that the heavier weight and the lack of downforce will lead to slower lap times but not so much that it becomes comparable to F2. We shouldn't forget that F1 cars were at times 15 seconds faster than their F2 counterparts.
Also Read : Isola: Won’t Test Tyres During F1 Race Weekends In Future
“Probably the cars will be slower for a number of reasons: Less downforce and heavier cars – the plan is to have cars that are heavier than the current ones and the weight has an effect on lap time.
“But that could be a few seconds. Not, for sure, slower than Formula 2. If a Formula 1 car in 2021 is two or three seconds slower than the current one and we have a much better show, I would say who cares?”
F1 cars will switch to the new 18-inch tyres in 2021, with the F2 category getting the 18 inch wheels this year itself. However, Isola said he doesn't expect any drop in lap times for F2 despite the switch from the 13 inchers
Image Credits : carthrottle
