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New F1 rules not transformational, but an improvement, says ex-Williams chief

New F1 rules not "transformational", but an improvement, says ex-Williams chief

12-01-2019 08:00 Last update: 08:00
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Bobby Vincent

Former Williams technical chief Pat Symonds believes the new aerodynamic regulations for 2019 will not transform the sport, but will certainly improve it in the long-term.

Formula 1 will introduce simple front wing designs, front brake ducts and a wider rear wing as part of revised regulation changes for the 2019 season. The changes are an attempt to try and encourage more overtaking in the sport.

Speaking at Autosport International; former Williams technical chief Symonds had his say on the planned changes to the competition.

"It became obvious that we could do something for 2019 in simplifying the front wings," Symonds explained. "That is purely to improve the wake and allow cars behind the leading car to have good performance. 

"It's never going to be perfect, and you cannot change the laws of physics, but we've made massive improvements from where we've been. 

"Relative to what we are doing for 2021, it's quite small but what you have got to remember is we're not just looking at the status quo."

Symonds also believes the aerodynamic alterations will make the competition more entertaining, with more wheel-to-wheel action.

"Formula 1 develops at an alarming rate, it's relentless," the former Williams chief added. "So if we had not done anything then the 2019 cars would have been ever harder to follow than the 2018 cars were.

"What we've done is we've pegged it back a bit, we've improved on where we were in 2018. We will have to see when we get the results out.

"Don't expect a transformational change but believe me it would have only got worse. At least what we've done is maintained the status quo and I suspect actually improved things a little bit."