The 14th of March 2014 marks the start of the new Formula 1 season and a new era in the sport. A raft of regulation changes for 2014 are certain to make 2014 an interesting year for both teams and spectators alike.
The most major change in rules is the move from the 750hp 2.4 litre v8s to 1.6 lire turbo charged v6s with extensive energy recovery. The new engines are limited to 15,000 rpm down from the previous 18,000 rpm, however ERS doubles from the current 80hp to 160hp and the driver has the bonus of being able to use it for 33 second a lap compared to the previous 6 seconds. ERS or energy recover is going to be vital this year as the drivers are limited to 100 litres of fuel per race. The engine rules changes have resulted in Cosworth leaving the sport, but Honda signing to return with McLaren in 2015.
The other noticeable change for fans of F1 will be the nose cones as they are being forced to be lowered from the current 550mm to just 185mm, this has result is some interesting interpretations, with a large number of team opting to go with phallus like appendages and Lotus running a unique walrus solution. Other changes include a change to a 8 speed transmission with fixed ratios for the season. The exhaust also must exit upwards on the car’s centreline, close to the rear light, with no bodywork behind the tailpipe so it can’t be used an aero dynamic influence.
For 2014 several teams have new driver combinations. Daniel Ricciardo’s moves to Red Bull racing to replace compatriot Mark Webber who is heading to Le Mans with Porsche. Ferrari has the return of Kimi Raikkonen after two years with Lotus and with Raikkonen’s arrival at Ferrari long time driver Felipe Massa has moved to Williams to partner Valtteri Bottas. Pastor Maldonado has taken his PDVA cash to Lotus, and Nico Hulkenberg and Adrian Suttil swap places from Sauber to Force India respectively. Sergio Perez has moved from McLaren to join Hulkenberg at Force India as Mclaren give young star Kevin Magnussen his first F1 seat. Caterham are the only team to start with a totally new driver line up with Kamui Kobayashi returning and being joined by rookie Marcus Ericsson.
So in 2014 drivers are going to be under more pressure than normal in 2014 with Tyres / Fuel / ERS all to be managed. It’s going to be an awesome season!