Mockups of the latest Formula 1 design concept for 2021 have been “leaked” by German media.
Auto Motor und Sport has published the renderings which they claim mark the ninth stage of development by F1 motorsport director Ross Brawn into creating cars that can race close together.
The report claims that despite the regulation changes for 2019 with simpler front and rear wings, designers have been able to negate much of the positive impact through their own interpretations meaning turbulent air remains a big issue.
However, with the concept developed by Brawn, upto 80% of the downforce remains even when directly following another car compared to just 30% today.
This is possible because the wings are set to play a smaller part in developing the overall downforce with the front wing much higher and spawning from the nose itself rather than dropping down towards the ground.
That will allow air to travel into tunnels underneath the car recreating the ‘ground effect’ of the early 1980s and pretty similar to how the current IndyCar’s develop their downforce.
The use of skirts will still be prohibited, however, meaning that the full ground effect cars of the late 1970s will not be possible.
As for the rear wing, it will be raised further and made narrower for 2021 and will be a separate entity mounted to the rear crash structure.
The mockup also suggests lower elements will be allowed from where the wing is mounted.
Finally, as part of the effort to reduce turbulence, a single fender will be added over each front wheel with the aim of pushing the air down and decreasing the swirl of air behind the car which is currently so disruptive.
Work is expected to continue on the design through the end of April before the FIA will look to ratify the new regulations before the June 30 deadline.