Toto Wolff, Mercedes Formula 1 Boss, believes that the teams would not be able to improve cars performance next year. He commented considering the new regulations dictating downforce.
The performance potentials that teams have unleashed over the years have put tyres under unde stress. The changes in 2021 regulations were established to balance tyres with the car performance.
The changes will affect diffusers and brake ducts, while major modification is upon restriction on the floor area.
The restriction will limit the teams’ capacity to exploit airflow for improved downforce. This will in-return limit the maximum performance capacity of the teams.
Wolff not hopeful
Many teams are hopeful of finding way around, except Mercedes’ boss Wolff. He believes it will be very hard for its team to outperform 2020 car next year.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “The aero was cut back considerably on the floor around the tyres, and it’s going to take a while to catch up.
“We’re still right in the middle of our development for next year, but I doubt we will be there quickly.
“In that respect, and with the tyres going a notch harder, I don’t think we will near the lap times that we have seen this year. At least not in the first half of the year.”
Pirelli, official F1 tyre partner, is expected to introduce more robust tyres next year. It is hopeful to provide solutions for the problems faced this year.
“Not all of it I don’t think,” Dave Robson, Williams head of Vehicle Performance unit, said. “I’m sure once we understand them, and we look at the data properly and the aero interaction, that we can better deal with them, and I’m sure we can recover some time there.
“I don’t think they will be a full second slower, but I don’t think we’ll get all of it back.
“I think it’s genuinely a slower tyre, which is probably not unreasonable if it’s stronger and has more endurance.”
Read More: Wolff is committed to Mercedes for life despite three years contract only
The team’s will be carrying their same chassis next year, while they will be allowed to modify cars for enhanced aerodynamic performance.
The can use two development tokens in other areas allowed by the authorities.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, revealed that his team will be carrying 60% of the current car in next year design.
