Neophiliac wrote:The guy in front or any car in clear air will probably do down-then-up adjustment of the wing on the longest straight, to reduce drag, once each lap (I wonder how many laps an average-joe driver will simply forget to do this).
I think you have
just made a very good case why the "two adjustments, two settings" adjustable aero won't do anything to significantly alter overtaking or "entertainment" in the races. Simulations will reveal beforehand what the optimal clean air use of that limited function over a lap in any given circuit will be, should there be one. The leader of the race will continue to enjoy an advantage in having the most "optimal aero combination time" in the race - potentially more so than currently, but not likely less.
Also, defending can become easier since everyone will know that there are sections on the track where it is of no use getting close and using the higher wing setting since the overall cost in time over a lap is going to be too great. While overtaking capacity might increase, overtaking opportunities could decrease. I suspect the "no free lunches" anecdote applies here as well. In this regard too, strategy and the underlying logic of the race will become even more intractable for the viewer as it is removed from the action itself into the realm of pre-race projections.
Besides, by changing the driving line the defending driver can pretty much ruin the advantage of the chasing driver, exposing him to clean air as soon as the higher wing setting comes into effect. I'm sure this will be just the beginning of what is to become a whole new unnecessary field of trickery.
Together with the push to pass button there's a very real threat that only the "secondary race event" permutations (
related to mistakes, technical failures and other events of predominantly random nature) will ever more substitute "primary events" i.e. straight fights between driver/team intent, will and skill. It is a truly convoluted proposition to engineer overtaking and this approach, I'm increasingly fearful, could be way off base.
Formula One can increase the interest in itself by guaranteeing close racing: The two recognised avenues to strive for this are either seeking performance equality or introducing random elements. There remains much that is unexplored in the relationship between the two and many lessons thereof remain unlearned. But perhaps those pesky fans who want to understand the sport they're viewing must be removed from the ranks, they're asking troublesome questions. Like where all the money is going and who's benefitting from what.
No, I remain far from convinced this (
twice per lap adjustable wing) will yield much in terms of real value. I'd much rather see autonomous adaptive aero or rigid wings than this. Neither of those will take anything essential away from the driver's capability to intuitively judge the level of grip at his disposal. The method of control stays relatable to the feedback loops of a relatively normal driving experience. But normal motorists can't "order" grip at will.
).
