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The big issue with cars is ground effect. How low can I drive without excessive wear on the sliding blocks in the underbody due to contact with the road? The required value for the screws that connect the floor panel to the car is one millimeter. Anyone above this will be disqualified, just like Mercedes and Ferrari at the 2023 USA GP.
Since the car’s downforce is very dependent on the height of the vehicle, the teams have come up with all kinds of tricks over the past three years to protect the connecting screws as much as possible. Experiments were done with insulating material between the floor plate or with screws that had some play to absorb the shocks from the road.
Motorsport pictures.
Red Bull first discovered the protected children among the competition and complained to the FIA.
Red Bull discovered the trick first
The latest trick was to give special protection to the Sid blocks, which the FIA inspectors use for the measurements. This especially applies to the connecting screw in the rear area of the base plate. Everyone there wants to drive as low as possible to get contact pressure.
About 50 percent of the field thought they had found a loophole in the rules. Red Bull was the first to find the so-called protective wings among the competition. These should include Ferrari, Mercedes and Haas. McLaren’s World Cup rivals, like Red Bull, broke free from this practice.
time
The FIA implemented and enforced new technical guidelines for the Las Vegas GP.
What will be the effect of the ban?
Red Bull advised the FIA that the trick was illegal if the rules were strictly applied, and that a protest would be expected if the matter was not clarified. And it came quickly. A week before the Las Vegas GP, all teams received mail. In a technical directive, the FIA announced that these protective shields are not allowed. This assessment applies immediately. Ferrari would have liked to change the timing to the Qatar GP, but he could not be there.
The affected teams now have a problem that is even greater when the aerodynamics are designed specifically for very low ground clearances. Since no one can risk the ski blocks wearing down too much, the respective teams must raise their vehicle height to a safe level. And that could cost some lap time.
2024-11-21 07:43:00
#FIA #bans #underbody #protection #Technical #guidelines #uproar
## World Today News Interview: The Fight for Downforce
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re delving into the world of Formula 1 and the recent controversy surrounding ground effect and underbody protection. Joining us are two experts: [Guest 1 Name], a renowned F1 technical analyst, and [Guest 2 Name], a former F1 team engineer.
**Section 1: The Importance of Ground Effect**
* **Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Why is ground effect so crucial in Formula 1, and how does it impact a car’s performance?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 2: The “Protective Shield” Controversy**
* **Host:** The article mentions teams using “protective shields” for the underbody screws. Can you explain what these are and why teams felt compelled to use them?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
* **Host:** Clearly, not everyone agreed with this tactic. What were the arguments for and against the use of these “protective shields”?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 3: The FIA Intervention**
* **Host:** The FIA stepped in and banned these “protective shields.” Was this a surprise move, or had there been tension brewing regarding this technique?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
* **Host:** How might this ban impact the performance of the teams that were utilizing these shields, and what are the potential consequences for the championship?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Section 4: The Future of Ground Effect in F1**
* **Host:** This situation highlights the constant push and pull between technical innovation and regulation in Formula 1. Where do you see the development of ground effect technology going from here?
* **Guest 1:**
* **Guest 2:**
**Closing**
* **Host:** Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives. This issue clearly shows the competitive spirit and technical ingenuity that drives Formula 1, but also the need for clear and consistent regulation. It will be fascinating to see how teams adapt and innovate in the future.
**Note:**
Remember to encourage the guests to elaborate and explore their opinions in depth. Ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their responses and foster a lively and informative discussion.
