Should Formula 1 Cars Look More Like Formula E Cars?
Drivers and fans are complaining about the lack of overtaking opportunities around the Circuit de Monaco for F1 cars, but Formula E drivers seem to overtake just fine in the principality.
The 2022 Formula 1 technical regulations promised closer racing; the plan was to reduce the aerodynamic disturbance of following cars so that overtaking would be more common. This is fun for the fans because they get to see more wheel-to-wheel racing, and the drivers like it because they can have proper battles on track. While the new technical regulations do seem to be working so far, narrow tracks such as Monaco are proving to be the exception.
The 2022 F1 Monaco GP
The Circuit de Monaco is reconstructed every year on the streets of Monte-Carlo, and the track layout has changed several times since the first race in 1929. The evolution of Formula 1 cars is such that the cars are the biggest that they have ever been, whereas back in the day, the cars were generally smaller.
After the 2022 Monaco GP, drivers and fans are frustrated with the lack of overtaking opportunities, which is why pole position is so important.
Meanwhile, in Formula E, the all-electric single-seater world championship, Monaco is just another stop on the calendar, rather than an outlier. The drivers do not seem to have a problem overtaking, and I think that has to do with the size of the cars.
Formula E vs. F1
Slower than an F1 car, the second and current generation of Formula E cars are designed to race on temporary street circuits, they are not dependent on new tires to finish a race, and they are battery-powered. In all E-Prixs, the cars follow closer and overtake more often, and teams must manage battery power and Attack Mode better than their rivals.
One of the largest differences between Formula E and F1 is that the FIA chooses one manufacturer for the battery, chassis, and tires separately. The cars are somewhat “spec,” meaning that they perform similarly, which makes Formula E a real driver-focused championship.
F1 cars are wider and longer than Formula E cars, which makes the latter more maneuverable through the corners of a tight circuit. Furthermore, F1 cars are open-wheel, meaning all four tires are exposed, which increases the width of the car. F1 cars can “trip” over one another, so to speak.
Formula E cars have thinner tires, wheel covers, and side bodywork that prevents this tripping. The drivers can race alongside each other without worrying about punctures as much as F1 drivers. They also get some extra power to overtake when they are in Attack Mode, they have Fan Boost, or they get a slipstream from the car in front.
F1 added the Drag Reduction System (DRS) in 2011, which allows the cars to go faster on certain straights as long as they are within one second of the car in front. In 2009, the Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS or ERS) was added to F1 cars, which is a battery that gives toggleable overtaking power, and that recharges throughout the race.
In F1, each team either manufacturers their own engine, or partners with an engine manufacturer, so they can focus their development efforts on other departments. The driver plays a large role in extracting the most from the car, and they must be consistent to win a championship. Generally, the team with the best all-around package wins the season, and the top teams spend enormous amounts of money to lift the trophy.
What if F1 cars were more like Formula E?
To me, it appears that the racing in Formula E is what the F1 technical regulations hoped to get out of this season; closer racing, tighter battles, complex strategy, and more action.
While Formula 1 cars generate tremendous downforce with their front and rear wings, side pods, and diffuser, Formula E cars rely mostly on the latter. The diffuser, or floor of the car, is working to pull the car towards the track by maximizing the ground effect.
So it’s no wonder Formula E cars are able to race closer. The FIA focused their new F1 technical regulations on improving front and rear wing design, as well as the diffuser so that they have less of an impact on the aerodynamics of the car behind. Formula E is having great success with this method, although the cars are not as fast on the straights or through the corners.
Conclusion
It’s difficult and possibly foolish to try to compare the two racing series, but it’s fun. I can’t help but think that F1 would be more entertaining for the fans, and more competitive for the drivers, if the racing was as close as it is in Formula E.
After the Monaco GP, several F1 drivers commented on the challenges that the historic street circuit presented. The Monaco GP contract has not yet been renewed for the 2023 season. If it’s removed from the calendar, that would be a real shame for the sport because of the history, challenge, and prestige of the event.
I wonder what direction the FIA will decide to move in regard to the technical regulations. Should they continue to try to reduce the aerodynamic disturbance, and improve racing by adding more DRS and overtaking zones, while keeping the cars relatively the same? Or should F1 consider a drastic change in the technical regulations, to make the cars smaller, and give them the ability to race closer?
I want to hear from you on this topic, so please don’t hesitate to leave your thoughts in the comments. If you missed the last race, check out my recap. Thanks!