PECM Issue 28 2017 | Page 8

F1 ENGINEERING, WHEN THE FAST LANE IS WAY TOO SLOW xcitement is building as the 2017 Formula 1 season reaches the half way point. There's finally multi-team battle for the WDC thanks to significant changes to the rule book which have dramatically altered the cars; making them faster and changing their appearance. Phil Holyome of engineering components specialists WDS Component Parts Ltd. takes us behind the scenes for a technical pit stop. E For 2017, Formula 1 had one of its biggest rule changes in 20 years, meaning this season's cars look significantly different to any that have come before. More aggressive in appearance: the cars are wider and sit on bigger tyres, changing the aerodynamics and downforce grip. They are faster, harder to drive and more exciting to watch. Of course, behind all the hype and hyperbole,