Formula 1 2017: bigger, faster, more aggressive New rules for the 2017 season will bring the biggest changes in almost two decades, with revised aerodynamics and improved grip making the cars both faster and harder to drive ----------- AERODYNAMICS: Increasing airflow beneath car increases downforce or aerodynamic grip Lap time reduction due to downforce: ~2 seconds 2016 car Rear wing: Height reduced to 800mm (down 150mm) Shark-fin engine covers improve airflow onto rear wing Engines: Same V6 hybrid power units, but higher revving and increased noise Larger bargeboards direct airflow Nose 200mm longer 200mm further back DOWNFORCE Diffuser: More powerful due to increased height, width, and length – speeding up under-car airflow to increase downforce Overtaking: Speed may suffer if downforce disrupted by turbulence from car in front Front wing: Backward sweep reduces effects of turbulence from car in front Width 1800mm (up 150mm) -------- 950mm (up 200mm) 2000mm Wider floor (max. 1600mm) increases airflow volume under car Maximum weight 722kg (up 20kg) plus tyres “Tea tray” shorter Higher fuel allowance (up 5kg to 105kg) to compensate for greater drag -------- TYRES 2016 2017 Rear 325mm 405mm Rear Front 245mm 305mm Front 25% wider More resilient tyre compounds should mean fewer pit stops and shorter overall race times MECHANICAL GRIP Increased contact area gives greater grip for faster cornering speeds Lap time reduction due to grip: up to 2.5 seconds Source: F1, wire sources Picture: Getty Images