Force India Unveil 2018 Livery

(Image credit to: Sahara Force India F1 Team)

    Force India may have left it late to unveil its 2018 Formula 1 car, but fans will have to wait even longer to see the VJM11 that will line up on the grid for the Australian Grand Prix.

    The team has opted to run a ‘launch specification’ at preseason testing, an updated version of the 2017 machine. This will give the aerodynamics team more time to develop the car.

    “Looking at the VJM11, the DNA of the car is still very much that of last year’s car,” said technical director Andrew Green.

    “We took the decision, quite a while ago, that the launch specification of thee 2018 car would be based around our understanding of the 2017 car, but with all the new structures required by the regulations in place.

    It is a starting point, a good reference from which to introduce changes quite quickly; it gives our aerodynamics department more time to develop a car for the first race in Australia, rather than having to release parts early for testing.”

    The car may be an ‘evolution’ of its predecessor, but Force India was forced to redesign the chassis in order to incorporate the halo head protection device, a huge expense to the independent team.

    Though the new chassis passed the crash test  on the first time of asking, the squad is still developing the car to try to neutralize the impact the halo has on the aerodynamics.

    “We have the opportunity to apply some cladding around parts of the structure to try and mitigate the losses, but it’s still a very difficult structure to make aerodynamically neutral,” said Green.

    “At the moment, it has a negative effect, but we are in the process of minimizing its impact and hopefully we will get it down to zero in the near future. It’s one of the challenges we are dealing with at the moment – it is not a massive one but it is something we would rather not have from an aero perspective. It’s the same for everyone, however, and you will not see a final solution until we get to Melbourne.”

    Despite the challenges, Force India is aiming high this season. After two consecutive fourth place finishes in the constructors’ championship, team boss Vijay Mallya is confident the team can continue the strong performances.

    “Everybody keeps telling me that it will be difficult to repeat the double fourth place, but there is no reason why we cannot consolidate our position and improve.

    Yes Formula 1 is a very tough and competitive environment, but we are an established team with continuity in all areas of the company. We don’t take anything for granted but we will be disappointed if we are not fighting for points at every race this year.”

    The team will once again run a pink livery, with sponsor BWT remaining on-board for a second season.

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Toro Rosso Reveal 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Red Bull Toro Rosso Honda)

    Toro Rosso has revealed its first Honda powered car ahead of preseason testing for the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

    The team stuck with a similar livery to that of last season, but a lot has changed at Toro Rosso from the start of 2017.

    Not only does the team have two rookie drivers and a new engine partner, but areas of the chassis have been completely redesigned after a year learning the new technical regulations.

    “There were several challenges but none that were by nature unfamiliar to us at Toro Rosso,” explained technical director James Key.

    “The most obvious is that we have had a change of engine partner and there were also a few minor regulation changes on the aero side, a few clarifications on suspension and so on, which all had an effect on how we approached these areas.

    Fundamentally, it’s been a case of adapting what you know to the regulations as they came out, which is pretty much the normal process from one year to the next.”

    He added that incorporating the halo, which is mandatory for all teams in 2018, was a big challenge, a statement echoed by other teams.

    As the new Honda works team, Toro Rosso will undoubtedly be under more scrutiny than ever before this season. The team has admitted this year will be a building period, but team principal Franz Tost is optimistic about the partnership.

    “The cooperation with Honda is important to us, as it is the first time in the history of Toro Rosso that we are working in a partnership together with a car manufacturer,” he said.

    “It changes a lot, and it was very satisfying to see our engineers and our concept group sitting together with the Honda people, suggesting ways to improve the packaging in the chassis and so on.

    Honda has a great reputation around the world, and specifically in motorsport with a long and very successful racing history. We have established a close relationship and they have made big steps forward.”

    Honda has struggled since returning to Formula 1 in 2015, but the team hopes to be competitive by the end of the season.

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McLaren Reveal 2018 Car & Papaya Livery

(Image credit to: McLaren F1 Team)

    McLaren has revealed its first Renault powered Formula 1 car, the MCL33, complete with iconic papaya orange livery.

    The new car has been described as an evolution of its predecessor, but important changes needed to be made for the significantly different engine that would be powering the car.

    After three frustrating seasons with Honda, McLaren switched to Renault for the 2018 F1 season. Though regulations state the front and rear engine mounts must be the same for each manufacturer, the architecture of the Renault engine is different from that of the Honda.

    “Making the switch has a big impact on the installation of the engine,” said Tim Goss, McLaren’s chief technical officer (chassis). “The advantage of the Renault layout means that we can push the engine forwards, but then you have the compressor at the back of the engine, so you’ve got to get the outlet pipes forward without impacting the packaging.

    We had to redesign the back of the chassis, the gearbox bell-housing, the rear suspension and the cooling layout. That was two weeks of intense effort to get right. But it was something we were somewhat prepared for, because we knew it might happen, and it’s amazing what people can do in such a short space of time when the chips are down and you’ve got a really clear mission.”

    Having taken just 133 points from the past three seasons, McLaren hopes the change of engine manufacturer will lead to a change of fortune and enable drivers Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne to fight closer to the front of the field.

    But racing director Eric Boullier warns the team will still face a tough challenge.

    “We are under no illusions that it will be difficult to splinter the hegemony at the front, and that the midfield will be full of well-funded, experienced outfirts with plenty to prove.

    We are humble about the challenge ahead, but feel we’ve prepared well, have a solid package that we can build upon and exploit as the season progresses, and have two excellent drivers who will make the difference in races.”

    Whether the MCL33 will be a turning point for McLaren remains to be seen, but the car undoubtedly marks a new chapter in the team’s history. 

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Ferrari Launch 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Scuderia Ferrari)

    Ferrari has revealed its latest Formula 1 car, the SF71H, ahead of preseason testing.

    Its unchanged driver line-up of Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, as well as development driver Daniil Kvyat and Antonio Giovinazzi, were at the launch at the team’s base in Maranello.

    One year into the current set of technical regulations, Ferrari’s 2018 challenger is built on what the team learned last season. It is similar to its predecessor, the most successful Ferrari in recent years, but has a longer wheel base and a revised cooling system.

    Unsurprisingly, Ferrari has stuck with the traditional red livery, including on the mandatory halo head protection device, with the absence of white features differentiating it from its immediate predecessors.

    Also absent is the Santander branding – which has featured on Ferrari machines since 2009 – as the Spanish bank has opted to end its F1 sponsorship deals.

    Like all engine manufacturers, Ferrari has focused on durability this winter as drivers are limited to just three power units this season.

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Mercedes Launch 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport)

    Mercedes has launched its 2018 Formula 1 challenger, the W09 EQ Power+, at a filming day at Silverstone.

    Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton both got a small taste of the new machinery, completing 100km of the British track between them.

    After a successful 2017, the new car is an evolution of its predecessor, with no major change in design philosophy.

    “We like some of the character traits from our diva,” said team principal Toto Wolf. “The W08 was the fastest car on the grid, scoring the highest number of pole positions and winning the most races last year. So we were careful not to lose the car’s main strength just to overcome the difficulties.”

    Like with all 2018 cars, the most notable differences are the lack of shark fin and T-wing and the addition of the halo head protection device, but the technical regulations have remained largely the same, which technical director James Allison believes allowed the team to make a more elegant car this year.

    “Last year’s regulations were brand new and we weren’t quite sure which direction they would take us in,” he said. “So last year’s car had a certain amount of wiggle room to adapt if we found that we needed to move around certain aspects of the car.

    This year, being a little more confident of what we’re aiming for, we’ve been able to commit more fully to certain concepts. So we have the packaging much tighter and have taken things to more of an extreme.”

    Since the change in engine regulations ahead of the 2014 season, the Mercedes power unit has been dominant. Though the manufacturer has never been able to stand still when it comes to engine development, “substantial” changes in the regulations have led to significant updates this winter.

    “The amount of change on the power unit for this year is quite considerable and driven by a number of requirements,” said Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains.. “The biggest challenge we’ve got is lifting our durability limit with the challenge of racing just three engines per driver per championship and two ERS systems.

    That’s a 40 per cent increase in the distance that the hardware needs to do for this year compared with last year. We focused on trying to increase the life of the hardware without losing performance.”

    He added that the team also worked to increase combustion efficiency and reduce hardware friction.

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Sauber Unveil 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)

    Sauber Formula 1 team has opted for a new aerodynamic concept as it aims to be competitive in the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

    The team has lagged behind the rest of the field in recent years but, with the new C37, Sauber believes it will able to fight for position this season.

    Drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will also have the 2018 Ferrari power unit behind them, which technical director Jorg Zander believes will help drive improvements this season.

    “The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months,” he said.

    "Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has seveneral new features in comparison to its predecessor.

    We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season.

    The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of performances. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

    The launch of the C37 also signals the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to F1. The Italian car manufacturer, a sister brand of Ferrari, will partner Sauber for the 2018 season. It’s logo features on the engine cover, with the red and white livery symbolic of what Sauber hopes will be a new era for the team.

    "Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: we have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season,” said team principal Frederic Vasseur.

    "We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historic brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.”

    Vasseur also defended the teams’ choice in driver line-up. While the squad is bringing young talent into the championship in the form of Leclerc, many fans have criticized Sauber for retaining Ericsson, who hasn’t scored in F1 since 2015. Vasseur highlighted Ericsson’s importance to the team.

    “I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie.

    Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback.

    As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”

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Renault Reveal 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Renault Sport Formula One Team)

    Renault Formula 1 team has launched its 2018 car, the R.S.18, ahead of the 2018 F1 championship.

    Now in its third season in F1 as a manufacturer, Renault is aiming to continue to improve after finishing sixth in the constructors’ championship last season.

    The R.S.18 is a development of the team’s 2017 car, with a focus on improved suspension and aerodynamic down force.

    “We have everything to be positive about this year,” said team boss Cyril Abiteboul. “We have two very talented and ambitious drivers. Last year Nico [Hulkenberg] gave us exactly what we needed with his experience, knowledge, and ability to lead both on and off track. Carlos [Sainz Jnr] joined us at the end of last season and he brought something fresh, and he scored points to help us in the constructors’ battle. Without that we wouldn’t have finished where we finished.

    Our headline target is to show continued progression through results. We want to be able to showcase our progression in every regard: power unit, chassis, operations, drivers. Everything must improve and we must continue to grow.

    We want to demonstrate this in many different ways, from the teams we will be directly racing against, to the gap to the leaders, including also our fan base and the respect that our team will inspire in our way we behave on and off track.”

    Renault has also put considerable effort into improving its engine, which it will supply to Red Bull and McLaren in 2018.

    Last year, the Renault power unit was less than reliable, with a number of drivers suffering engine failures over the course of the season.

    With the reduction in the number of components available to drivers in 2018, Renault has focused on improving reliability, boasting in a press release that “The power unit has realized a very strong programme on the dyno in Viry-Chatillon to maximize performance and improve reliability”.

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Red Bull Launch 2018 Car With Testing Livery

(Image credit to: Aston Martin Red Bull Racing)

    Red Bull Racing has launched its 2018 challenger at a filming day at Silverstone.

    The Milton Keynes based squad usually reveals its latest car as late in the winter break as possible, but opted for an earlier launch this year to better prepare for preseason testing.

    Like the latest Williams, the RB14 appears to feature something similar to the now out-lawed shark fin on the engine cover, Red Bull is keeping with tradition in revealing as little as possible.

    The new car sports a special camouflage livery but the familiar red, blue, and yellow colour scheme is expected to return after pre-season testing. 

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Williams Shows Off 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Williams Martini Racing)

    Williams has launched it’s “new approach” challenger for the 2018 Formula 1 championship, the FW41.

    The first Williams to be fully designed under new technical chief Paddy Lowe, the car boasts a new aerodynamic philosophy, with a number of significant differences to its predecessor.

    Apart from the compulsory halo head protection device, the Williams features a fin running along its engine cover – not too dissimilar to the now banned shark fins of last season.

    “It’s very exciting to be giving everyone the first look at the FW41,” said Lowe. “The car has many new features, most of which are not all that obvious, but externally the team has pursued a very different aerodynamic concept which has allowed us some significant progress in aerodynamic performance.

    All Formula 1 cars are an evolution of what has gone before to some extent, but the FW41 does involve a number of departures from the directions that have been pursued in the past.

    Overall, the philosophy we are starting to see emerge is a new approach to the collaboration between aerodynamics and design to achieve the optimum working result.”

    Lowe added that developments from the Mercedes power unit also shaped the car’s packaging.

    Mercedes is understood to have pursued a different engine concept to previous seasons.

    Williams will field the youngest driver line-up on the grid this season, with 19-year-old Lance Stroll joined by rookie Sergey Sirotkin in 2018.

    The pair are hoping to improve on Williams’ disappointing 2017 performance, when the team finished fifth in the constructors’ championship and was unable to challenge Force India in fourth.

    “With a season under my belt with the team, I can’t wait to get back on track and see what the new car is like,” said Stroll.

    “Until we are on track we will not know what the competition has been doing, but I am very optimistic about the car the team has built.

    Last year was a steep learning curve for me and now I can’t wait to see what 2018 has in store.”

    Sirotkin added: “I’ve been in the simulator regularly, going through different set-ups with the car, different tracks, seat fittings and also a lot of engineering meetings and factory tours to meet everyone.

    I’ve been having fun with all the guys from different departments. It’s busy times, but I am really enjoying it. I’m getting ready for the season in the best possible way.”

    The FW41 will get its first on track outing at preseason testing, which will begin in Spain on February 26th.

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Haas Reveals 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Haas Ferrari F1 Team)

    Haas Formula 1 team has become the first to pull the covers off its 2018 challenger.

    The team revealed images of their third F1 car, the VF-18, which it describes as a refinement of its 2017 car.

    With no major changes in regulations, much of the car appears similar to that of last year’s entry, with the most notable exceptions being the inclusion of the halo head protection devise and the absence of the shark fin and T-wing aero devices.

    “The biggest part of the car’s evolution was the addition of the halo,” said team principal Guenther Steiner. “It took quite a bit of study by the aerodynamicists, but the designers had to work hard to modify the chassis so the halo could survive the mandated loads.

    The total minimum weight of the car increased because of the halo, and there’s a higher centre of gravity simply because of the halo’s position. But everyone is in the same boat.

    The regulations stayed pretty stable between 2017 and 2018, so the VF-18 is an evolution of our car from last year. It’s less about reinvention and more about refinement. You see elements we had from last year on the car this year.

    Our 2017 car was actually pretty good but we didn’t always get the best out of it, and that’s what we aimed to change in 2018. We got the car as light as possible to carry more ballast. We were able to do a better job of putting the weight where we wanted it.”

    Haas finished eighth in last year’s constructors’ championship, just six points behind Toro Rosso and 10 points behind Renault. Drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, who continue at the team in 2018, finished 13th and 14th in the drivers’ championship.

    Once again, the team will be using parts provided by Ferrari, who also supply the team with engines. Team founder Gene Haas says the team will use Ferrari as a bench mark going into its third season in F1.

    “It’s no secret we use a lot of Ferrari equipment, so we’re using them as our baseline,” he said. “We need to be within a half-second of the Ferraris in order for us to be competitive.

    We weren’t last year. I would say we were a second to a second-and-a-half slower than the Ferraris. Overall, we were maybe two seconds off the pole qualifiers, so we need to knock a second off that if we really want to be competitive.

    We’ve eliminated a lot of variables where we knew we were weak, and we knew where we needed to focus. We need to be able to go to the majority of the races and put the car don on the track and be fast. We’ve focused on what it’s going to take to get the cars to be consistent and to close that gap between the top cars.”

    Last year, Haas had at least one car retire from seven of the 20 races, including a double retirement in Australia at the start of the year.

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Toro Rosso Launch STR12

TORO ROSSO LAUNCH STR12

    Toro Rosso have launched their freshly liveried car, completing the 2017 Formula One line up.
The STR12 was launched in the Barcelona ahead of testing next week.

    Rather than the traditional red, blue, and yellow, the 2017 Toro Rosso will be mainly blue, with red features, and a silver bull.

    The simple nose, without a “thumb” like some teams or hole like sister team Toro Rosso, is similar to that of Mercedes.

    The team are excited about the possibilities 2017 will bring. As well as the new aero rules, Toro Rosso will be using the Renault power unit.

    “Our chassis is mated to what is possibly the most competitive engine we have had so far in the hybrid era, as we return to Renault power once more,” said team principal Franz Tost.

    Technical director James Key is expecting strong development for Toro Rosso this season.
The driver line up at the team remains the same after Daniil Kvyat switched from Red Bull last season. This will be the Russian’s fourth year in F1, and teammate Carlos Sainz’s third.

    “With driver continuity and a power unit which made a major step forward last year and which should be developing strongly this year, it just leaves the chassis as an unknown quantity,” he said.

    “We always set ourselves ambitious targets and this year, we are taking a more long-term view over the 20 races, with a long list of planned in-season developments.”

    Sainz will begin the first day of testing tomorrow, with Kvyat getting his first chance to drive the STR12 on Tuesday.

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Haas Reveals 2017 Car

HAAS REVEALS 2017 CAR

    Haas have launched the American team’s second Formula One challenger.

    After a fairly successful 2016, the team is aiming to build on what they learned in their debut season, but the VF-17 is vastly different from its predecessor.

    “I think the pedal box is the same, but all the rest is very different from last year’s car,” said team principal Guenther Steiner. “You always try to make a faster car, which is normally a lighter car. Now we can put on more ballast and get better weight distribution. The aero is completely new, as are the tyres, so we need to have some built in adjustability.”

    The VF-17 features a geometric style shark fin and winglets on the side.

    Livery wise, the new car keeps the Haas brand colours – red, grey, and black – and still lacks sponsors.

    The car has already made its on track debut when it completed a shake down and filming session yesterday, but it will be driven in anger for the first time in next week’s test session.

    Romain Grosjean, who continues at the team for a second season, and new comer Kevin Magnussen will split duties over the four days.

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Red Bull Reveal RB13

RED BULL REVEAL RB13

    Red Bull have launched the car most expected to bring the challenge to Mercedes this season.

    The RB13 marks the team’s 13th season in Formula One and is oddly simplistic for such a highly anticipated car.

    Like all the 2017 cars launched so far, the RB13 features a shark fin on the engine cover. Unlike all the 2017 cars launched so far, Red Bull have opted for an interesting nose. The elongated nose has a hole in the tip.

    Is this the car to challenge Mercedes? Probably not, no.

    We’ve yet to see any of the 2017 cars driven in anger, but it’s widely anticipated Red Bull will be the closest to the Silver Arrows this season. However, the Renault engine could be their let down. The team say their power unit has 900 BHP, whilst Mercedes claim to be close to 1000.

    What’s more, the car Red Bull has launched is most likely missing a lot of areo features, especially in front of the side pods, which we’ll likely not see until testing begins in Barcelona. The car that shows up to race in Melbourne will probably be pretty different to the one we’ve been shown.

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Williams Launch 2017 Car

WILLIAMS LAUNCH FW40

    Williams have launched their challenger for their 40th season in Formula One.

    Like every team to have launched their car so far, the new regulations have radically changed the Williams’ bodywork. The car is wider than their 2016 challenger, and features a shark fin. One thing that hasn’t changed is the thumb at the end of the long nose.

    With Martini once again the team’s main sponsor, the FW40’s paintjob isn’t wildly different to its predecessor’s, though it does feature the orange logo of new sponsor JCB.

    The team are aiming to pick up again after losing fifth in the championship to Force India, but the team’s head of performance engineering, Rob Smedley, has already said he doesn’t expect there to be much of a mix up of the order.

    Drivers Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll will split testing duties next week, alternating days with Massa behind the wheel first.

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McLaren Launch Retro-Style Car

McLAREN REVEAL RETRO-INSPIRED LIVERY FOR MCL32

    McLaren Honda have revealed their new “retro” look car as they strive to take steps towards returning to winning ways this season.

    After two frustrating years, the team has a new livery, new driver line up, new engine design, and new senior management with the hopes of creating a package that will be able to catch up with the front runners.

    “Within McLaren Honda, there’s a tangible feeling of progress, of change,” said racing director Eric Boullier. “This year’s rules reset is a valuable opportunity for us – it will allow us to make progress with what we feel is a well ordered and clearly defined chassis engine package, and hopefully to narrow the delta between us and the front running teams.”

    McLaren have answered the regulation changes with some interesting features, including gill-like slits on the nose and the shark fin that has become expected of the 2017 cars.

     Both drivers are keen to get into the cockpit. Fernando Alonso will compete in his third consecutive season with the team, and will be joined by new comer Stoffel Vandoorne. Vandoorne has already made his F1 debut when standing in for Alonso after the Spanish driver was ruled out of the Bahrain GP due on medical grounds, but this will be his first full season in the championship.

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Ferrari Unveil SF70H

FERRARI UNVEIL SF70H

    Ferrari’s 2017 challenger, the SF70H, has hit the track for the first time at the team’s test track at Fiorano.

    The Italian team launched live online only just over an hour before Kimi Raikkonen got behind the wheel of the 2017 specification car for the first time. The Finn was only shaking it down, but he reported no problems with the car he’ll be racing this season.

    Nobody at the team has set any expectations for the season ahead, though they’ll inevitably be trying to catch up with Mercedes, who are the favourites to lead the championship again this season.

    Due to regulation changes, the SF70H has a fin above the engine cover, like most cars launched so far this year, and a lengthened nose, as well as a completely redesigned roll hoop.

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Mercedes Reveal W08

MERCEDES REVEAL THE W08

    Whilst many teams have answered the regulation changes with radical new designs, Mercedes have opted to stay as traditional as possible with their 2017 challenger, the W08 EQ Power+.

    The car Lewis Hamilton ran ahead of the official launch was tightly packaged at the rear and had a large floor. Most notable, though, was the lack of shark fin that has been favoured by most of the other teams that have launched so far, though the team tested the fin later in the day.

    “The new rules for 2017 were designed to make the fastest F1 cars ever through a big increase in aerodynamic performance,” said team boss Toto Wolff. “They should be more physical to drive and hopefully more spectacular for the fans to watch. The proof will come in the opening races, but we have probably achieved that target.”

    Mercedes have dominated the championship since the need engine regulations came into play in 2014, but the team isn’t taking anything for granted.

    “In terms of relative performance, it’s clear that any rule change brings with it a big reset but also a big opportunity,” said Wolff. “This is the time to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground. None of the teams have raced under these rules, and we all have the same points right now: zero.”

    Wolff also hinted that the car Hamilton and new teammate Valtteri Bottas drove at Silverstone won’t stay the same throughout the season.

    “This year, in season development will play a big role in determining the championship outcome. None of us know where we will stand at the first race but I am confident that, whatever that position is, we have the people and the capability to deal with every challenge that comes our way. This will be the season where our full works team can show its true strength."

    Mercedes has also opted to keep the familiar silver and turquoise colour scheme as Petronas remains onboard.

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Sahara Force India Reveal 2017 Car

FORCE INDIA REVEAL 2017 VJM10

    Force India are targeting the top three as they try to build on their most successful year in Formula One to date.

    The team beat Williams to fourth in the constructors’ championship last season, taking two podiums in the process, and now the aim is to go one step further and bring the challenge to the top three.

    “The passion to improve further is going to be pretty relevant in 2017,” said team principal Vijay Mallya. “If we did not dream big we would not have finished fourth in the world championship last year.

    “We will always dream big. We have never said, even in private, that we cannot break into the top three. That is going to be our objective. We’re going to give it our best shot.”

    Though some have speculated “poorer” teams such as Force India will struggle with the new regulations due to the lack of resources, the team is optimistic for the season ahead.

    Force India have totally redesigned the car to comply with the new regulations, and have launched the most controversial design to date. The VJM10 includes a “2014” style three pronged nose and a large shark fin, but the car may not look this way for long.

    “The 2017 regulations have meant that everybody has to start with a clean slate,” Mallya said. “I know that we have to continue to develop this car right through the 2017 season. There’s no stopping, because we’re starting from scratch. All teams will probably be doing the same.”

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended - Photo rights belong to Sahara Force India F1 Team
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Renault Launch R.S.17

RENAULT LAUNCH R.S.17

    Renault are aiming for fifth in the 2017 Formula One championship with their newly unveiled R.S.17.

    The 2017 challenger, the first car which Enstone and Viry have worked together on, was designed from scratch in order to conform to the new regulations.

    “It’s a great moment for everyone that’s involved,” said Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul at the launch. “We will know if it’s a fast car in Melbourne but the level or detail show what’s been done and achieved over the past few weeks… the level of integration between the engine and the chassis is just amazing. Thanks again for all the hard work that has been done by the team to get to this fantastic result.”

    Fifth in the championship may sound like a relatively uninspired target, but it is a realistic one, and one that fits Renault’s long term plan.

    “I think that 2017 will be a great year, an exciting year, and also a crucial year,” said president of Renault Sport Racing Jerome Stoll. “One year ago, we set the vision for the competition within Renault, we set the ambition for Formula One. And all along the 2016 year we have been working by investing a lot in order to close the gap to the best players.”

    “Last year was about putting together the foundation of our mid- to long-term plan,” added Abiteboul. “It’s been done in the office. Now we need to deliver on track.”

    Last season, in the Renault’s first in F1 since returning as a full works team, Renault finished ninth in the constructors’ championship with only three points finishes.

    Jolyon Palmer will remain at the team, and be joined by Nico Hulkenberg, who makes the switch from Force India. Serge Sirotkin will remain as the reserve driver and is expected to run more in free practice sessions this season.

    Four time F1 champion Alain Prost also joins the team as Renault Sport Racing Special Advisor, though he emphasized that he would not be involved in the day to day running of the team.

    “My position would be from a little bit more behind,” Prost said. “Sometimes it’s good to have this kind of situation. Being at the committee is very important and together with Jerome and Cyril what is important is to give the input and to give the best decision possible to have the best strategy possible to be a winning team in the future.”

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended - Image Rights belong to Renault Sport F1 Team
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Sauber Reveals 2017 Car

SAUBER REVEALS C36

    Sauber are taking a “new approach” in this their 25th season competing in Formula One.

    With new finances and new regulations, the team is hoping to establish themselves as solid midfield runners this year, after narrowly avoiding finishing last in the constructors’ championship last season.

    “We clearly have to improve,” said team principal Monisha Kaltenborn. “With the Sauber C36-Ferrari we have a solid basis as well as the resources to further develop with Sauber C36-Ferrari through the season. This will be important to establish in mid-field.”

    A key player in achieving that ambition will be Jorg Zander, Sauber’s new technical director. The team redesigned the car to fit with the new 2017 regulations and, though he believes Sauber will be at a disadvantage due compared to the bigger teams, he hopes the team will have found the best result possible.

    “Basically, big teams also have an advantage when it comes to major changes in the regulations,” he said. “But when the cards are reshuffled new opportunities always present themselves as well. The Sauber C36-Ferrari is wider and lower, with wider tyres making the car look more muscular than last year’s model."

    “Practically just by looking at it, one can tell the speed the new car has increased as a result of more downforce and shorter braking distance – measuring against lap time, not top speed – it is written all over the face.”

    As well as being wider, with bigger tyres, the radiator, sidepods, and bodywork are designed to be as slim as possible, in an attempt to keep both downforce and stability.

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended - Image rights belong to Sauber-Ferrari F1 Team
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