F1 Teams Unhappy with Fuel and Telemetry Changes

The FIA recently announced that there will be an increase in the amount of fuel that cars can carry in Grand Prix races. This rule is set to be in effect for the 2019 season, but it has come under fire from some of the F1 teams.

The change was the result of complaints from drivers on the over-dependence on the need to ‘lift and coast’ to save fuel.

The nw rules state that the fuel allowance will be increased to 110kg from 105kg. Unfortunately, not many were too thrilled at the decision.

“It’s a strange decision,” said Williams technical boss Paddy Lowe. “The hybrid era is about increasing energy efficiency, and limiting fuel was part of that.

“If some teams have more problems than others, then that’s their fault from a design point of view,”.

“Increasing fuel is a backwards step in this energy efficiency, and I think it damages the sport.” said a Force India technical representative.

Countering their arguments was Renault boss Cyril Abiteboul.

“Fuel economy does not comply with the principles of Formula 1,” he said. “Drivers attacking to be the fastest is what our sport is about, not the need to protect the engine, control fuel consumption and look after tyres.

“That may be other racing series, but it’s not Formula 1,” he added.

Most of the Mercedes-powered F1 teams had raised objections to the increase. Their reasoning was that it caused a fundamental change to the existing power units. But Abiteboul was not entirely convinced.

“I understand their position, but fuel consumption will still be limited,” he said. “Increasing the amount of fuel by 5kg does not require a change in the concept of the power unit. It would surprise me if they lose anything.”

Another proposal that has been tabled is a ban on car-to-pit telemetry. But McLaren’s Fernando Alonso wasn’t too happy about that decision.

The issue was that drivers get too much help from their race engineers during Grand Prix events. On some occasions, they are given step-by-step instructions to tackle technical issues.

Alonso’s argument was that a telemetry ban was not practical in today’s sport.

“They first would have to make the cars simpler,” he said, “That’s not possible with the complex technology of today.”