The Latest Breaking News from Pat Symonds

The phenomenon of boiling, twisting vortices being generated by winged F1 machines has been an issue through the generations.But in the championship’s moves to improve its entertainment spectacle, particularly over the last 20 years or so, the desire to clean-up outwash airflow generated by cars to allow following drivers to…

Liberty Media and Formula 1 have done some great things for the championship since 2017, but last week they scored what some may see as an own goal.

The parties will evaluate how hydrogen technology - including both battery systems and fuel cells - can be used across motorsport, with a focus on increasing the sustainability credentials of transport and infrastructure.

The TAC is the forum where future rules are discussed by the 10 team technical directors and the governing body, with F1’s technical chief Pat Symonds also contributing.

Formula 1 is populated by drivers and teams alike who revel in the competitive aspect, and will do whatever it takes to win.

The planned increase in electrification, with a 50/50 power split from the battery and combustion engine, has prompted concerns about drivers running out of energy on the straights and needing to change down gears to recharge. 

Concerns have emerged in recent weeks about the risks of a wrong step with the new cars in 2026 ruining the spectacle. 

Mercedes’ ongoing troubles in F1’s new ground-effect era are the subject of GP Racing’s cover story this month, written by Pat Symonds – formerly Michael Schumacher’s race engineer and one of the consultants responsible for F1’s new ruleset.

It was the first time that the two had fought so closely for a race victory all the way to the chequered flag, and Alonso’s superb win appeared to signal a changing of the guard.

Just like in any other sport, in Formula 1 if drivers don’t follow the rules set out by the FIA, then they can be penalised for it.

As part of its push to hit a net carbon zero target by 2030, F1 is introducing all-new engines that will run of sustainable fuel when the current rules formula ends after 2025.