The "Framework for Discussion" enunciated by the FIA for future regulations has a number of troubling concepts. The two principal reasons for changing the regulations are:1. To lower the costs; 2. To react to public concern about the environment.
To lower the costs, the basic principle is to have new F1 technologies come "from the mainstream R & D of major manufacturers." In other words, the technologies will be road relevant.
Regarding the environment, the primary approach is to reduce fuel consumption and to reformulate fuel to include a bio component.
The framework is divided into two sections, drivetrain and chassis. Let's first look at the drivetrain, as the chassis is dependant on the constraints forced on it by drivetrain design.
A 30% reduction in fuel usage is proposed. To accomplish this, a reduction in power from 560,000 watts to 450,000 watts is suggested. One horsepower is 746 watts, so we go from current power levels of 750hp to 603hp.
To convert wasted energy into horsepower, turbos are suggested, but not compulsary. It could be direct or indirect, i.e. power the engine, or a battery charging system. This can add back 50,000 watts.
Regenerative power systems are allowed, and are likly to be electrical storage systems, as the manufacturers prefer that method (because of hybrids). This will be fed through a four-wheel drive system. This my provide up to 60,000 watts.
Unconstrained electronic controls will be allowed in order to control the interface between the engine, turbo, and the regenerative drive.
The weight minimum will be raised to 640kg to facilitate the batteries and other regenerative hardware.
And to save money, the engines must last 5 races.
What do you think about that?