F1 | Pat Symonds on changes for 2019: “We had to do something, the situation could only get worse”

Over the last few years, the problem linked to the lack of overtaking in Formula 1 has been discussed at length. To remedy this, some attempts have been made to introduce some solutions such as the DRS and to modify the regulations, with partly questionable results which have not made people happy. the fans.

Among the difficulties encountered by the drivers is undoubtedly that of following the car in front, given that the aerodynamic flow of the single-seater in front ends up disturbing the balance of those following, making it more complicated to follow, get closer and attempt an attack. For this reason, the FIA ​​has decided to change the regulations again for next season, introducing rules aimed at reducing the aerodynamic load lost by following the car in front and giving greater prominence to DRS. Pat Symonds, a technician hired by Formula 1 to plan the future of this sport, spoke of the changes that we will see in 2019, underlining the motivation that pushed the Federation and the leaders of Liberty Media to take action so quickly: "Formula 1 develops at an alarming rate, relentless and non-stop. If we had done nothing, the 2019 cars would have been even more complicated to follow than the 2018 ones. We'll see when we get the results. Let's not expect a huge change, but believe me, the situation could only get worse. What we've done is at least maintained the status quo and I think it's actually improved things at least a little bit,” said Pat Symonds at the Autosport International Show.

However, we will have to see the most radical changes in 2021, when a new technical cycle should open which Liberty Media is strongly focusing on to make the sport more competitive and exciting. The rules planned for 2019 are in fact only an intermediate step in the vision of the American giant. Speaking at the Autosport International Show, Symonds also took the opportunity to take stock of what the plans are for 2021 not only on a technical but also managerial level: “With 2021 we are trying to have an approach on all fronts. Aerodynamics plays a main role, but that's not all. We are also evaluating cost control and we are verifying that some standard elements are not performance differentiators" – said the English coach -. “As for aerodynamics, there is a group that is working on the details and designs of the cars solely to allow the cars to follow the car in front while maintaining good performance. It will never be perfect. You can't change the laws of physics, but we have made big improvements" concluded Symonds.