I can certainly understand the problem! With dynamic compression ratios like a F1 engine and a vehicle that light, engine braking could cause quite a problem with traction... particularly if you're on the brakes when you're in a corner. It will be interesting to see how the drivers and engineers adjust to the change. I have some sympathy for the drivers; I've locked the back wheels of my truck by downshifting into first when I was not paying enough attention or the roads were slick. It isn't a fun thing. Of course, a formula car has better tires and more than 20% of its weight on the back wheels, but they're also going a bit faster...
Benniau wrote:Surely it wouldn't be that hard to build a clutch that releases slightly when the energy is coming from the wheels and not the engine?
As you downshift and the force reaches a point where the wheels would lock, the clutch releases slightly for moment, a mechanical device, not computer controlled?
From what I understand, lots of motorbikes have a clutch that acts like that.