While 2017’s Formula 1 rules shake-up primarily aims at overhauling aerodynamics and tyres, power unit efficiency and energy management will remain key performance factors, as our F1 technical expert Nicolas Carpentiers explains. The Mercedes power unit and Patrick Head | © F1i & WRi2 MERCEDES STILL THE ODDS-ON FAVOURITE? One side effect of 2017’s F1 aero overhaul is that more power will be needed to propel cars that will be 26kg heavier, produce around 20 percent more downforce, and generate extra drag due to Pirelli’s 25 percent wider tyres. It would not be surprising therefore to see Mercedes’ edge in the current 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged era actually increase, as implied by...
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