Adjustments needed

Something has to be done, or allowed, to solve the F1 tyre problem

- MIKE BLANCHET

A problem needs action in order to solve it, or to at least to alleviate its effects. The constant critical issue of Pirelli tyre management creates massive headaches for drivers and engineers alike. This has required huge amounts of effort to combat, and led to Mercedes inventing its controversial DAS steering system. However, a relatively simple mechanical aid could be adopted that I suggest would certainly help. It’s been around for more than 40 years and, guess what, it’s the driver-adjustable anti-roll (sway) bar. Ideally fitted front and rear, such devices would allow drivers to assist in controlling tyre temperatures and degradation and balancing the handling of the car as it alters through a stint – especially if conditions change drastically.

Operated without external input and adding to driver skills, it seems little different than having brake bias and diff’ settings adjustable, as currently permitted. A similar rotary dial on the steering wheel would do the job. I’m aware that anti-roll bars are way more sophisticated these days and packaging is a nightmare, but F1’s clever engineers could cope with that, if the benefits were considered worthwhile.

Even just adjusting the roll rate at one end of the car would contribute to easing the seemingly unsolvable (by Pirelli, anyway) tyre problems.

Given that I criticise the grossness of current hybrid F1 cars, the idea of adding further weight may seem contrary, but that’s easily solved by removing some of the multitude of non-essential sensors and associated kit, in favour of an FIA-mandated data acquisition package.

Double whammy