Gary Anderson: Let the drivers control the cars themselves

      Gary Anderson, a former racing car designer and now a technical expert for The Race, believes that the recent amendments to the technical regulations will not have a significant effect, arguing that Formula 1 must first acknowledge that a serious miscalculation has been made.

      The proposed changes concern the accumulation and use of energy from the electrical part of the power unit and are not deep enough. I do not understand why Formula 1 refuses to recognize that a major mistake has been made.

      The ratio of power produced by the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric systems is theoretically 50/50 – it is nothing more than arbitrary numbers. In reality, it is not like that – the ratio is probably closer to 45/55 in favor of the ICE, but all this has led to a situation where the cars are controlled by the driver, when it should be the other way around. I believe that the essence of the problem lies in this.

      Formula 1 must ensure that the driver once again controls the car, which requires removing all these algorithms that determine what power should be available to the driver. There is already a provision in the regulations: the driver must control the car independently, without any assistance. In general, the foundation is laid, and it just needs someone to take responsibility and make the necessary changes.

      The problem lies in the current approach, which is fundamentally wrong. At certain moments, the full power mode is activated, and the driver receives an additional 350 kW of power from the MGU-K motor-generator, which leads to increased wear on the rear tires, and on a slippery track in rainy or changeable weather, this can lead to unpleasant consequences.

      It is assumed that the changes made to the regulations will limit the power output of the hybrid system, but that does not mean the car will become better. It is nothing more than an artificial patch that does not address the main problem.

      I have a simple suggestion. The power output of the electric system should be linked to the dynamics of the torque produced by the ICE. No engine produces power linearly. And if each power unit manufacturer were required to provide the FIA with verified information about the power curve, it would create normal competitive conditions.

      Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, Honda, Red Bull – all would compete for the quality of this curve, while the FIA would ensure that no one is deceiving anyone. At the same time, absolute figures for the power ratio, which everyone is currently relying on, are not needed. It would then only be necessary to ensure that the power of the electric system is linked to the power level and the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine.

      For simplicity, let’s operate with round numbers: for example, the ICE at full power produces 350 kW – the electric motor should produce the same amount at that moment. At lower power levels, it should look accordingly – 100, 150, 175, and so on.

      The power of the electric system should increase along with the power of the engine, not instantly and sharply. If the driver lifts off the throttle, it should also decrease. Then it will resemble power management more than in situations where the driver constantly has to deal with the intervention of electronics that operate according to their own program. Essentially, this would correspond to the 50/50 ratio mentioned in the regulations, but through the range of ICE revolutions.

      At those tracks where the 50/50 ratio does not apply, the power level of the electric system can be easily adjusted by reducing the energy consumed by the battery.

      From my perspective, this aligns much more with the logic of applying hybrid systems. Moreover, it will save energy, as the driver will not use all 350 kW of power every time. There will also be less of a clear feeling that the system makes decisions for the driver, although all decisions should be made independently by him…

      The same should be applied to active aerodynamics. If the driver floors the throttle, and there is a button that can give the car additional acceleration, he should make that decision himself – it should not be imposed on him through the allocation of specific activation zones. Let the drivers decide when it is time to reduce downforce. If the driver wants to complete a lap without using the active aerodynamic system, that is his choice.

      Drivers are paid millions of dollars annually, and they are considered the best professionals in the world, yet we take responsibility away from them, shifting it onto the software engineers working in the garage. It is ridiculous.

      I am disappointed that Formula 1 has chosen this path… Give drivers back the ability to control their cars themselves – this is the fundamental principle that should be the basis for adjusting the regulations. As long as there is no understanding of this, it is not surprising that the amendments are too superficial.