F1: The effects of rules changes in Formula 1 since 1950All Formula 1 fans are asking the same question: Will such a major technical change like the introduction of the V6 power units in 2014 put an end to Red Bull Racing’s domination in Grand Prix racing?
To provide our readers with a realistic answer, we looked at the statistics of the 64 years of F1 and looked at what happened to the running order when a major technological change was introduced. 1961 Reduction in engine capacity from 2.5L (no compressor) to 1.3 to 1.5L. 1960 Champion: Jack Brabham, Cooper Climax 1961 Champion: Phil Hill, Ferrari
1966 Increase in engine capacity from 1.5L to 3.0L (normally aspirated) 1965 Champion: Jim Clark, Lotus Climax 1966 Champion: Jack Brabham, Brabham Repco 1983 Ban on ground effect, full size sidepods and skirts 1982 Champion: Keke Rosberg, Williams Ford (Rosberg scored only one win while 10 drivers scored the other 15 victories) 1983 Champion: Nelson Piquet, Brabham BMW
1989 Ban on turbo engines, back to normally aspirated motors 1988 Champion: Ayrton Senna, McLaren Honda 1989 Champion: Alain Prost, McLaren Honda 1994 Ban on all driving aids (active suspension, ABS, traction control, etc.) 1993 Champion: Alain Prost, Williams Renault 1994 Champion: Michael Schumacher, Benetton Ford 1998 Introduction of the narrow tracks and grooved tires 1997 Champion: Jacques Villeneuve, Williams Renault 1998 Champion: Mika Hakkinen, McLaren Mercedes
2006 Introduction of normally aspirated 2.4L V8 engines 2005 Champion: Fernando Alonso, Renault 2006 Champion: Fernando Alonso, Renault Out of the seven examples illustrated here, five showed a significant change in the running order while the other two did not produce an effect. From these statistics, we can predict (but cannot guarantee!) that the introduction of the new V6 turbo hybrid engines may well put an end of Red Bull Racing’s and Sebastian Vettel’s domination. Wait and see! |
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