Latest news with #NikolasTombazis
Daily Telegraph
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
‘Game changer': New F1 rule change brought in for Spanish Grand Prix
Don't miss out on the headlines from F1. Followed categories will be added to My News. A new rule is being introduced at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix and it has the potential to shake-up the remainder of the Formula One season. After McLaren was investigated for its rear wing 'mini DRS' last year and its rear tyre cooling advantage, front wings are the latest area of F1 cars where the rules have been tightened up. The FIA has confirmed from this weekend, all F1 teams will be subjected to updated static load tests. Specifically, the maximum permitted front wing deflection under load will be reduced from 15mm to 10mm. Five millimetres may not sound like a lot, but it gives teams less room to design a front wing that can flex at high speeds. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The sport's governing body doesn't want aero elasticity to be a talking point in F1. The FIA's Nikolas Tombazis said: 'When championship battles become intense, teams tend to focus on each other's cars a lot, and naturally they raise concerns and over the latter half of the season we came to the conclusion that we needed to toughen a bit more the tests for 2025. 'We frequently test in parc fermé conditions — either on Saturday after qualifying or Sunday morning, as obviously, in parc fermé teams cannot make changes to their car.' It remains to be seen if the front wing change will have an effect on McLaren's dominance or bring the already condensed F1 grid even closer together. McLaren is way out in front in the constructors championship on 319 points, with Mercedes 172 points behind. But only five points separates Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari in the battle for second. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is hopeful the change will be a 'game changer' and help turn his team's fortunes around following a difficult start to the season. 'Barcelona is on the calendar of everybody in the paddock with the new regulation for the front wing,' Vasseur said. 'We are working on it for ages now and this can be a game changer for everybody, because we don't know the impact on every single team of the new regulation. 'I think we stick to this, and we'll be focused on this to have the better exploitation of the new front wing.' F1's front wing clampdown begins this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix. (Photo by) Ferrari's Charles Leclerc told Sky Sports: 'You can hear rumours in the paddock and some people will be more affected than others, for sure. I don't think on our side is going to change a lot, but we'll see.' Speaking to Supercars legend Mark Skaife predicted the front wing change to 'have an effect' on the status quo. 'If the other teams think that whatever the front wing change gives their car a step up or it gets them closer to McLaren, then that's good for the game,' Skaife said. Sauber's team principal Jonathan Wheatley said: 'I'm a very optimistic person and I'm hoping that other teams are going to suffer more than we are.' It remains to be seen what effect the rule change has. (Photo by) Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur hopes it will be a 'game changer'. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) 'Healthy' McLaren battle has Prost-Senna potential After eight races, Oscar Piastri leads his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just three points following the Brit's victory in Monaco. Max Verstappen can't be counted out in the championship battle, which is set to go down to the wire this year. Piastri will look to strike back this weekend in Barcelona, where he has struggled in his two appearances at the circuit, qualifying 10th both times. McLaren have opted not to pick a No. 1 driver this year and Skaife believes the rivalry within the team can only be a good thing. 'It's very, very healthy to have the level of competition that they've demonstrated,' he said. 'I know they're not the names yet, but it's reminiscent for me of the Senna-Prost battles. 'In the history of the sport, the Senna-Prost battle at McLaren has probably been the pinnacle, not just because their extraordinary careers and their driving, but because they went about it differently. 'I would have said pre-Monaco that Oscar had Lando's measure. Oscar's been superb. 'Then on the weekend Lando had the counterpunch in a big response, especially in qualifying. 'I'm intrigued. I'm absolutely fascinated as to the swings and roundabouts of how this year's going to unfold.' Watch every practice and qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, including the race on Sunday at 11pm AEST on Kayo Sports. Originally published as 'Game changer': New F1 rule change brought in for Spanish Grand Prix
Courier-Mail
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
‘Game changer': New F1 rule change brought in for Spanish Grand Prix
Don't miss out on the headlines from F1. Followed categories will be added to My News. A new rule is being introduced at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix and it has the potential to shake-up the remainder of the Formula One season. After McLaren was investigated for its rear wing 'mini DRS' last year and its rear tyre cooling advantage, front wings are the latest area of F1 cars where the rules have been tightened up. The FIA has confirmed from this weekend, all F1 teams will be subjected to updated static load tests. Specifically, the maximum permitted front wing deflection under load will be reduced from 15mm to 10mm. Five millimetres may not sound like a lot, but it gives teams less room to design a front wing that can flex at high speeds. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The sport's governing body doesn't want aero elasticity to be a talking point in F1. The FIA's Nikolas Tombazis said: 'When championship battles become intense, teams tend to focus on each other's cars a lot, and naturally they raise concerns and over the latter half of the season we came to the conclusion that we needed to toughen a bit more the tests for 2025. 'We frequently test in parc fermé conditions — either on Saturday after qualifying or Sunday morning, as obviously, in parc fermé teams cannot make changes to their car.' It remains to be seen if the front wing change will have an effect on McLaren's dominance or bring the already condensed F1 grid even closer together. McLaren is way out in front in the constructors championship on 319 points, with Mercedes 172 points behind. But only five points separates Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari in the battle for second. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is hopeful the change will be a 'game changer' and help turn his team's fortunes around following a difficult start to the season. 'Barcelona is on the calendar of everybody in the paddock with the new regulation for the front wing,' Vasseur said. 'We are working on it for ages now and this can be a game changer for everybody, because we don't know the impact on every single team of the new regulation. 'I think we stick to this, and we'll be focused on this to have the better exploitation of the new front wing.' F1's front wing clampdown begins this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix. (Photo by) Ferrari's Charles Leclerc told Sky Sports: 'You can hear rumours in the paddock and some people will be more affected than others, for sure. I don't think on our side is going to change a lot, but we'll see.' Speaking to Supercars legend Mark Skaife predicted the front wing change to 'have an effect' on the status quo. 'If the other teams think that whatever the front wing change gives their car a step up or it gets them closer to McLaren, then that's good for the game,' Skaife said. Sauber's team principal Jonathan Wheatley said: 'I'm a very optimistic person and I'm hoping that other teams are going to suffer more than we are.' It remains to be seen what effect the rule change has. (Photo by) Ferrari's team principal Fred Vasseur hopes it will be a 'game changer'. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) 'Healthy' McLaren battle has Prost-Senna potential After eight races, Oscar Piastri leads his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just three points following the Brit's victory in Monaco. Max Verstappen can't be counted out in the championship battle, which is set to go down to the wire this year. Piastri will look to strike back this weekend in Barcelona, where he has struggled in his two appearances at the circuit, qualifying 10th both times. McLaren have opted not to pick a No. 1 driver this year and Skaife believes the rivalry within the team can only be a good thing. 'It's very, very healthy to have the level of competition that they've demonstrated,' he said. 'I know they're not the names yet, but it's reminiscent for me of the Senna-Prost battles. 'In the history of the sport, the Senna-Prost battle at McLaren has probably been the pinnacle, not just because their extraordinary careers and their driving, but because they went about it differently. 'I would have said pre-Monaco that Oscar had Lando's measure. Oscar's been superb. 'Then on the weekend Lando had the counterpunch in a big response, especially in qualifying. 'I'm intrigued. I'm absolutely fascinated as to the swings and roundabouts of how this year's going to unfold.' Watch every practice and qualifying session of the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend, including the race on Sunday at 11pm AEST on Kayo Sports. Originally published as 'Game changer': New F1 rule change brought in for Spanish Grand Prix
News.com.au
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
‘Game changer': New F1 rule change brought in for Spanish Grand Prix
A new rule is being introduced at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix and it has the potential to shake-up the remainder of the Formula One season. After McLaren was investigated for its rear wing 'mini DRS' last year and its rear tyre cooling advantage, front wings are the latest area of F1 cars where the rules have been tightened up. The FIA has confirmed from this weekend, all F1 teams will be subjected to updated static load tests. Specifically, the maximum permitted front wing deflection under load will be reduced from 15mm to 10mm. Five millimetres may not sound like a lot, but it gives teams less room to design a front wing that can flex at high speeds. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The sport's governing body doesn't want aero elasticity to be a talking point in F1. The FIA's Nikolas Tombazis said: 'When championship battles become intense, teams tend to focus on each other's cars a lot, and naturally they raise concerns and over the latter half of the season we came to the conclusion that we needed to toughen a bit more the tests for 2025. 'We frequently test in parc fermé conditions — either on Saturday after qualifying or Sunday morning, as obviously, in parc fermé teams cannot make changes to their car.' It remains to be seen if the front wing change will have an effect on McLaren's dominance or bring the already condensed F1 grid even closer together. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is hopeful the change will be a 'game changer' and help turn his team's fortunes around following a difficult start to the season. 'Barcelona is on the calendar of everybody in the paddock with the new regulation for the front wing,' Vasseur said. 'We are working on it for ages now and this can be a game changer for everybody, because we don't know the impact on every single team of the new regulation. 'I think we stick to this, and we'll be focused on this to have the better exploitation of the new front wing.' Ferrari's Charles Leclerc told Sky Sports: 'You can hear rumours in the paddock and some people will be more affected than others, for sure. I don't think on our side is going to change a lot, but we'll see.' Speaking to Supercars legend Mark Skaife predicted the front wing change to 'have an effect' on the status quo. 'If the other teams think that whatever the front wing change gives their car a step up or it gets them closer to McLaren, then that's good for the game,' Skaife said. Sauber's team principal Jonathan Wheatley said: 'I'm a very optimistic person and I'm hoping that other teams are going to suffer more than we are.' 'Healthy' McLaren battle has Prost-Senna potential After eight races, Oscar Piastri leads his McLaren teammate Lando Norris by just three points following the Brit's victory in Monaco. Max Verstappen can't be counted out in the championship battle, which is set to go down to the wire this year. Piastri will look to strike back this weekend in Barcelona, where he has struggled in his two appearances at the circuit, qualifying 10th both times. Lando Norris is 2-0 in qualifying H2H against Oscar Piastri in Barcelona. Norris qualified: 3rd & 1st. Piastri qualified: 10th & 10th. Norris has really shined here while Piastri has struggled putting a clean lap together in Q3 both years. — Daniel Valente ðŸ�Žï¸� (@F1GuyDan) May 28, 2025 McLaren have opted not to pick a No. 1 driver this year and Skaife believes the rivalry within the team can only be a good thing. 'It's very, very healthy to have the level of competition that they've demonstrated,' he said. 'I know they're not the names yet, but it's reminiscent for me of the Senna-Prost battles. 'In the history of the sport, the Senna-Prost battle at McLaren has probably been the pinnacle, not just because their extraordinary careers and their driving, but because they went about it differently. 'I would have said pre-Monaco that Oscar had Lando's measure. Oscar's been superb. 'Then on the weekend Lando had the counterpunch in a big response, especially in qualifying. 'I'm intrigued. I'm absolutely fascinated as to the swings and roundabouts of how this yea's going to unfold.'
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
F1 in talks for return of screaming V10 engines
Formula One nostalgists could be celebrating the return of screaming V10s with a return to naturally aspirated engines now being actively discussed between teams and the FIA. The sport is preparing for arguably its biggest ever rule changes next season when cars will undergo a full-scale overhaul on both the chassis and engine side. The new 'power unit' formula - a hybrid concept which will feature a 50/50 split between electric and internal combustion power, running on sustainable fuel - has convinced new manufacturers such as Audi to enter the sport, and persuaded the likes of Honda to stay. But it has also attracted critics because of the exorbitant cost involved in developing the technology, and because they will add a huge amount of weight to the car. That is to say nothing of the noise, with many fans deriding the current 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid engines as little louder than lawnmowers. Mclaren V6, V8, V10, V12#F1 @McLarenF1 — F1pics (@F1Pics10) January 17, 2025 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem admitted recently that he felt Formula 1 should at least consider switching back to V10 engines in the not-too-distant future, running on sustainable fuel. And F1's single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis gave a media briefing prior to Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix at which he admitted the concept was 'being evaluated for 2028 or 2029' between grand prix racing's manufacturers and the FIA. 'Certainly, the progress with sustainable fuels has led to the view that maybe the engines could be simpler,' he explained. 'The world economy does lead to views that maybe we should try to cut costs a bit more, and the current power units are way too expensive. That is a fact. We would like them to be cheaper, and that's why the president made the comments about the V10 engine in '28 and so on. 'That's something we are evaluating, or for '29 or whatever, with the PU manufacturers. We are discussing openly with them the best direction for the sport.' Understandably, if there was a broad consensus from teams and manufacturers to switch to V10s in three or four years, it would not make much sense to spend a lot more development money on the new turbo hybrids coming next year. One suggestion has even been for the new engines to be scrapped completely. F1 could continue with the current power units until the switch to V10s is made. This would, though, present all sorts of problems, not least for Audi who don't have an alternative. Other teams, meanwhile, have already switched over their programmes to the new 2026 designs. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said earlier this week that as far as next year's engines are concerned, 'it's ten-past-midnight and Cinderella's left the building'. In reality there is zero chance of continuing with the current power units. It would need unanimity from teams, and it is understood Mercedes, who are believed to have the leading PU for 2026, would definitely be against a switch for at least the next three seasons. But the manufacturer would not be against a return to V10s in 2029. There remain other obstacles, including the fact that the old V10s were so noisy they could fall foul of noise pollution laws in some F1 host countries, notably the United States. But the idea is gaining traction. Tombazis stressed there was no intention to railroad anyone. 'Above all, the obligation is to be fair, and people have invested a lot of money,' he said. 'If nine people are in favour and one person is against and that one person is being treated unfairly, we will always also try to protect the one person. 'We won't just go on majorities and say, 'OK let's do it.' We're trying to build a consensus here, and if that fails, then we will stay where we are.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
23-03-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
F1 in talks for return of screaming V10 engines
Formula One nostalgists could be celebrating the return of screaming V10s with a return to naturally aspirated engines now being actively discussed between teams and the FIA. The sport is preparing for arguably its biggest ever rule changes next season when cars will undergo a full-scale overhaul on both the chassis and engine side. The new 'power unit' formula – a hybrid concept which will feature a 50/50 split between electric and internal combustion power, running on sustainable fuel – has convinced new manufacturers such as Audi to enter the sport and persuaded the likes of Honda to stay. But it has also attracted critics because of the exorbitant cost involved in developing the technology, and because they will add a huge amount of weight to the car. That is to say nothing of the noise, with many fans deriding the current 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid engines as little louder than lawnmowers. Mclaren V6, V8, V10, V12 #F1 @McLarenF1 — F1pics (@F1Pics10) January 17, 2025 FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem admitted recently that he felt Formula 1 should at least consider switching back to V10 engines in the not-too-distant future, running on sustainable fuel. And F1's single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis gave a media briefing prior to Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix at which he admitted the concept was 'being evaluated for 2028 or 2029' between grand prix racing's manufacturers and the FIA. 'Certainly, the progress with sustainable fuels has led to the view that maybe the engines could be simpler,' he explained. 'The world economy does lead to views that maybe we should try to cut costs a bit more, and the current power units are way too expensive. That is a fact. We would like them to be cheaper, and that's why the president made the comments about the V10 engine in '28 and so on. 'That's something we are evaluating, or for '29 or whatever, with the PU manufacturers. We are discussing openly with them the best direction for the sport.' Analysis: Could next year's rules revamp be scrapped? Understandably, if there was a broad consensus from teams and manufacturers to switch to V10s in three or four years, it would not make much sense to spend a lot more development money on the new turbo hybrids coming next year. One suggestion has even been for the new engines to be scrapped completely. F1 could continue with the current power units until the switch to V10s is made. This would, though, present all sorts of problems, not least for Audi who don't have an alternative. Other teams, meanwhile, have already switched over their programmes to the new 2026 designs. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said earlier this week that as far as next year's engines are concerned, 'it's ten-past-midnight and Cinderella's left the building'. In reality there is zero chance of continuing with the current power units. It would need unanimity from teams, and it is understood Mercedes, who are believed to have the leading PU for 2026, would definitely be against a switch for at least the next three seasons. But the manufacturer would not be against a return to V10s in 2029. There remain other obstacles, including the fact that the old V10s were so noisy they could fall foul of noise pollution laws in some F1 host countries, notably the United States. But the idea is gaining traction. Tombazis stressed there was no intention to railroad anyone. 'Above all, the obligation is to be fair, and people have invested a lot of money,' he said. 'If nine people are in favour and one person is against and that one person is being treated unfairly, we will always also try to protect the one person. 'We won't just go on majorities and say, 'OK let's do it.' We're trying to build a consensus here, and if that fails, then we will stay where we are.'
