Are the current front wings suitable for close racing ?

[WhiteBlue]

I came across a comment that I think is worthy of discussion.

Perhaps Mclaren have been sharpening their wings a bit

Minimum radii on wings are regulated. I would have thought that this fact would prevent McLaren to "sharpen their wings".

I know mate, hence the confused smilies wasnt meant seriously.
Carbon fibre being filed by a soft 200mph tyre is only going to have one winner eh...

I would suggest simple endplates with limited possibility to tire shredding. Because I think punctures caused by front wings have risen to an uncomfortable amount from 09 on.

There are several aspects to it IMO.

• wings are extremely wide to allow for an inactive center section
• there are horizontal ribs sticking out of the end plates which may not be good for keeping tyres intact
• due to current aerodynamic trends drivers cannot see their front wings. It would be safer to mandate a less reclined driver position which would be same for all and would allow the drivers to see their front wings.

[CMSMJ1]

We have a mandated centre section. We can have mandated end fences that are bluff.

End of the day, it does not matter...nobody tries to puncture anyone else or knock their wings off..

[raymondu999]

Nobody tries to, but people can do it, and it is dangerously possible. Massa, Vettel were robbed of great results at Silverstone because of this. Hamilton in Nurburgring 09. Barichello in Interlagos 09.

[pascaljackson]

thats racing, it happens even in racing series where the cars have fenders.
the old wings slit tires as well so it would be senseless for me.
yes they cant see their wings, but can you see everything of your roadcar? i guess not and you dont smash it into others.
we got close racing in 09, and in 10, so whats the matter? because some got a bit too close? these are professionals, what do you want.. put the car in a big condom? ^^ to make it even more boring.
all that safety stuff sucks, i mean...oh the cars getting to fast, lets try to slow them down.
these cars are extremely safe so think more about things that would bring back the racing

[n_anirudh]

F1 moved from multi-element wings, where sections spanned the entire length to what we currently have. Wider main plane, with 2-3 flaps and smaller sections above.

Previously the Front wings were scooped down shape, leaving little air to the diffuser from the front.


Now we see the middle sections hollow and I guess its abouts making the diffuser obtain slightly higher mass flow.

Returning to the main question: is it allowing closer racing??

very hard to answer this one in a straightforward manner.

Year| Car ahead | Following car
2008 | wider rear wings, Single diffuser | less wide FW,larger span area
2009 |smaller but rear wing higher,DDD | wider FW, lesser span area

2008 : the wake from the car ahead would be wider
2009: wake would be more turbulent in the center line of the car , but considering that the track width has not changed...leaving more dirty air for the car following behind...IMO

Car behind would lose much downforce, leading to understeer around corners making overtaking less possible...